A client who is 2 days’ postoperative reports feeling “constipated” to

A client who is 2 days’ postoperative reports feeling “constipated” to the nurse. The client has good bowel sounds in all four quadrants and has tolerated liquids well. Her pain is being con-trolled with an opioid analgesic.

Which of the following interventions should the nurse try initially?
1. “Let me get you some apple juice.”
2. “Ambulating may get your bowels moving.”
3. “I’ll see about getting a different pain medication.”
4. “Your health care provider might prescribe an enema if I call.”

ANSWER

ANS: 1
An increase in fluid intake with the use of fruit juices softens stool and increases peristalsis. The remaining interventions are not inappropriate, but they are not the initial intervention for such a complaint.