A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who has hypoactive bowel sounds. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

A. Assess the abdomen for signs of distention and ability to pass flatus.
B. Advance the patient's diet to soft, solid food.
C. Assess the patient for indications of hypotension.
D. Notify the surgeon of this assessment finding.



Answer :

Final answer:

The priority nursing action for a postoperative patient with hypoactive bowel sounds is to notify the surgeon of this assessment finding.


Explanation:

The priority nursing action for a postoperative patient with hypoactive bowel sounds is to notify the surgeon of this assessment finding. This is crucial because it indicates a potential complication that the surgeon needs to address promptly to prevent further issues.

Assessing the abdomen for signs of distention and ability to pass flatus is important, but notifying the surgeon takes precedence due to the nature of the patient's condition.

Advancing the patient's diet to soft, solid food and assessing for indications of hypotension are important but secondary to addressing the hypoactive bowel sounds.


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