RN Nursing · Postoperative Nursing Care · Practice question
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
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Instruct the client to consume foods high in fat.
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✓
Instruct the client to cough and breathe deep every hour.
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Instruct the client to remain on bed rest for the first 24 hr.
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Instruct the client to avoid taking a shower for 1 week.
Answer & explanation
Correct: Instruct the client to cough and breathe deep every hour.
After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, deep breathing and coughing exercises every hour are essential to prevent respiratory complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia, especially since residual CO2 from the pneumoperitoneum can cause referred shoulder/diaphragmatic pain and shallow breathing. A low-fat diet is recommended initially, not high-fat foods. Early ambulation—not prolonged bed rest—is encouraged within hours after surgery. Showering is typically permitted within 24–48 hours once incision sites are assessed. Deep breathing also promotes gas exchange and prevents postoperative pulmonary complications (Lewis et al., Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th ed.).
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