A nurse who is caring for postoperative clients on a surgical unit kno

A nurse who is caring for postoperative clients on a surgical unit knows that for 24 to 48 hours postoperatively, clients who have undergone general anesthesia may experience:

1. Colitis
2. Stomatitis
3. Paralytic ileus
4. Gastrocolic reflex

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Any surgery that involves direct manipulation of the bowel temporarily stops peristalsis. This condition, called paralytic ileus, usually lasts about 24 to 48 hours. Colitis is inflammation of the colon. Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth. The gastrocolic reflex is the peristaltic wave in the colon induced by entrance of food into the stomach. Colitis, stomatitis, and gastrocolic reflex are not caused by anesthetic used during surgery.