The 35-year-old pregnant client is concerned about constipation. When

The 35-year-old pregnant client is concerned about constipation.

When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of having a local anesthetic over a general an-esthetic for a caesarian section, the nurse shares with the client that the local will cause less risk for constipation following surgery. The best reason that there is less constipation following this surgery is because:
1. The client will not have to be allowed nothing by mouth (NPO) before surgery
2. The client will be able to ambulate immediately following surgery
3. The client will be able to eat following surgery
4. Local or regional anesthetic often has little or no effect on bowel activity

ANSWER

ANS: 4
The client who receives a local or regional anesthetic is less at risk for elimination alterations be-cause this often affects bowel activity minimally or not at all whereas general anesthetic agents used during surgery cause temporary cessation of peristalsis, which can result in constipation. The client will still need to remain NPO before a scheduled caesarian section in case she would need to receive a general anesthetic. The client will not be able to ambulate immediately after surgery because of loss of feeling in the lower extremities. Clients should be able to eat following non–bowel-related surgery whether or not they have undergone a general anesthetic or a local anesthetic.