Questions on Gastrointestinal Tract Related

Review Questions on Gastrointestinal Tract related questions and content

What is a postoperative nursing intervention for the obese patient who has undergone bariatric surgery?

  • A. Irrigating and repositioning the nasogastric (NG) tube as needed
  • B. Delaying ambulation until the patient has enough strength to support self
  • C. Keeping the patient positioned on the side to facilitate respiratory function
  • D. Providing adequate support to the incision during coughing, deep breathing, and turning
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because providing adequate support to the incision during coughing, deep breathing, and turning is essential postoperatively to prevent complications such as wound dehiscence or infection in obese patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Supporting the incision helps reduce stress on the surgical site and promotes proper healing.

Choice A is incorrect because irrigating and repositioning the nasogastric tube is not a specific nursing intervention related to the care of the incision after bariatric surgery.

Choice B is incorrect because delaying ambulation can increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia in postoperative obese patients.

Choice C is incorrect because keeping the patient positioned on the side to facilitate respiratory function is important, but it is not directly related to supporting the incision during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure.