Approach to postoperative abdominal pain Quiz: Ace Your Exams

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A 45-year-old woman is seen in the post-anesthesia care unit after an uncomplicated surgery. The patient describes abdominal distension and diffuse abdominal pain radiating to the bilateral shoulders. Temperature is 37.0 °C (98.6 °F), pulse is 78/min, blood pressure is 137/75 mmHg, respirations are 16/min, and SpO2 is 96% on room air. BMI is 43 kg/m². The sutures are intact and there is no bulging or drainage at the surgical site. Serial upright chest radiographs demonstrate increasing air under the diaphragm. Which of the following is most commonly associated with this postsurgical complication?

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Use of narcotic medication postoperatively

Bowel resection with anastomosis

Open abdominal procedure

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery

Heavy lifting done postoperatively