Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on discharge teaching after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!
The nurse has provided discharge teaching for patient who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which patient statement(s) indicate(s) an understanding of the discharge education? Select all that apply.
A. “I will make sure I do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds.”
B. “When the sterile strips start to loosen, I can remove them myself.”
C. “I should avoid fatty and spicy food if I am nauseated.”
D. “I will avoid showering and bathing until I see my doctor.”
E. “I can expect some small drainage from my incisions.”
F. “I will be taking a fiber supplement during recovery.”
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX® Question is…
A. “I will make sure I do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds.”
Rationale: To avoid disrupting the healing in the surgical area, the nurse should instruct clients to avoid lifting anything heavier than ten pounds.
E. “I can expect some small drainage from my incisions.”
Rationale: Clients should be advised that a small amount of drainage is normal. Still, they should be instructed to report any redness, swelling, bleeding, foul-smelling drainage, or increased pain around their surgical incisions immediately.
F. “I will be taking a fiber supplement during recovery.”
Rationale: During recovery, clients will be prescribed a fiber supplement to prevent constipation. Constipation may cause the client to strain, thus disrupting the healing process of the incisions.
Main Takeaway
Instructions for clients discharged after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy include several essential topics. Clients can resume most of their normal activities. Still, the nurse must remind them that they should avoid strenuous activities for the next few weeks, including sports, vigorous exercise, heavy housework, or yard work.
Clients should also avoid lifting anything more than ten pounds, which is approximately the weight of a gallon of milk. The nurse should also teach clients how to care for their incisional site. The nurse should let them know that a small amount of drainage is normal, but they should report any redness, swelling, bleeding, foul-smelling drainage, or increased pain around their surgical incisions to the healthcare provider. The nurse should remind clients to keep their incisions dry by avoiding bathtubs, hot tubs, or swimming; however, let them know that they may shower and gently cleanse the area, followed by gently patting the area dry. If sterile strips cover the incisions, the nurse should instruct clients to keep them in place and tell them that the strips will fall off on their own in a week or two.
In addition, the nurse should teach clients dietary modifications they should make while they recover. Instruct them to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily and take a prescribed fiber supplement. Clients should consume fiber-rich foods, including whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Lastly, the nurse should remind clients to avoid fatty, greasy, or spicy foods during recovery.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
B. “When the sterile strips start to loosen, I can remove them myself.”
Rationale: If sterile strips are used to cover their incision, the nurse should instruct clients to keep them in place. The nurse should advise clients not to remove them manually because the strips will fall off on their own in a week or two.
C. “I should avoid fatty and spicy food if I am nauseated.”
Rationale: Clients should avoid fatty and spicy foods during the recovery period following surgery, not just when the client is nauseated.
D. “I will avoid showering and bathing until I see my doctor.”
Rationale: Clients should be reminded to keep their incisions dry by avoiding bathtubs, hot tubs, or swimming; however, the nurse should let them know that they may shower and gently cleanse the area, followed by gently patting the area dry.
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