The nurse is caring for a female client following a Billroth II procedure. Which postoperative order should the nurse question and verify?
a. Leg exercises
b. Early ambulation
c. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
d. Coughing and deep-breathing exercises
Answer C.
In a Billroth II procedure, the proximal remnant of the stomach is anastomosed to the proximal jejunum. Patency of the nasogastric tube is critical for preventing the retention of gastric secretions. The nurse should never irrigate or reposition the gastric tube after gastric surgery, unless specifically ordered by the physician. In this situation, the nurse should clarify the order. Options A, B, and D are appropriate postoperative interventions.
a. Leg exercises
b. Early ambulation
c. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
d. Coughing and deep-breathing exercises
Answer C.
In a Billroth II procedure, the proximal remnant of the stomach is anastomosed to the proximal jejunum. Patency of the nasogastric tube is critical for preventing the retention of gastric secretions. The nurse should never irrigate or reposition the gastric tube after gastric surgery, unless specifically ordered by the physician. In this situation, the nurse should clarify the order. Options A, B, and D are appropriate postoperative interventions.