A client recovering from abdominal surgery is demonstrating abdominal

A client recovering from abdominal surgery is demonstrating abdominal distention from trapped flatus. What can the nurse do to help this client?

1. Assist the client to move in bed.
2. Restrict fluids.
3. Obtain an order for a rectal tube.
4. Provide a diet rich in foods that create flatulence.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Activity does help with the expulsion of flatus; however, the client is recovering from abdominal surgery, and will not be able to participate in sufficient movement and exercise to pass the accumulated gas.
Rationale 2: Restricting fluids will not help with the expulsion of flatus.
Rationale 3: If excessive gas cannot be expelled through the anus, it might be necessary to insert a rectal tube to remove it.
Rationale 4: Providing a diet rich in foods that create flatulence will cause the problem to be worse.