What is the priority action for a patient with post-operative ileus?

Monitoring bowel sounds is a critical priority action for a patient with post-operative ileus. After surgery, especially abdominal surgeries, it is common for the bowel to experience a temporary halt in its normal peristaltic movement, leading to an ileus. This condition can manifest as a lack of bowel sounds, abdominal distension, or discomfort.

By assessing bowel sounds, healthcare providers can gather important information about gastrointestinal motility and determine if the ileus is resolving. Normal bowel sounds indicate that peristalsis is returning, which is a positive sign in recovery. Therefore, paying close attention to bowel sounds allows for early identification of complications or the need for further interventions.

In contrast, while administering pain medication can help in managing discomfort, pain relief does not directly address the issue of bowel motility. Encouraging ambulation is certainly beneficial as movement can stimulate bowel activity, but monitoring bowel sounds provides more immediate and critical information regarding the patient’s gastrointestinal status. Providing intravenous fluids is important for hydration and electrolyte balance, but it does not directly assess the function of the bowel. Therefore, monitoring bowel sounds is essential for evaluating the recovery process and addressing potential complications.