A client is in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) recovering from a v

A client is in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) recovering from a vagotomy and pyloroplasty. Which of the following is a normal expectation of the client in this stage of recovery?

1. Returned normal bowel sounds on auscultation
2. Pain that is relieved with noninvasive comfort measures
3. Voluntary bladder control and function
4. A subdued level of consciousness and neurological function

ANSWER

ANS: 4
In the PACU the client is often drowsy. The effects of anesthetic agents subdue the client’s level of consciousness and neurological function. Normally during the immediate recovery phase in the PACU, faint or absent bowel sounds are auscultated in all four quadrants. Clients who have had abdominal surgery may develop paralytic ileus, with a return of bowel sounds 24 to 48 hours lat-er. The acute incisional pain experienced in this stage of recovery is usually not relieved with noninvasive comfort measures but will require pharmacological measures of pain relief. Depend-ing on the surgery, a client may not regain voluntary control over urinary function for 6 to 8 hours after anesthesia.