The nurse is caring for a patient who is complaining of postoperative gas pain. What intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assist the patient with ambulation. This intervention helps to promote peristalsis and gas passage through movement. Ambulation can also reduce bloating and discomfort associated with gas pain postoperatively. Choice B, applying a cold compress, may provide some comfort but does not address the underlying issue of promoting gas passage. Choices C and D, offering coffee/tea or chilled vegetable juice, are not evidence-based interventions for relieving gas pain postoperatively. Overall, assisting the patient with ambulation is the most effective intervention to address postoperative gas pain.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage frequent leg exercises to promote circulation. This intervention is appropriate for a patient with DVT as it helps prevent blood pooling and clot formation. Leg exercises facilitate blood flow and reduce the risk of further clot development. Option B is incorrect because prolonged bed rest can actually increase the risk of DVT by promoting stasis of blood flow. Option C is incorrect as anticoagulant medications are often necessary to prevent complications such as pulmonary embolism. Option D is incorrect as tight-fitting compression stockings should be worn during the day, not at night, to support venous return.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: all of the above. The small intestine is where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs. Water is absorbed through osmosis, proteins are broken down into amino acids and absorbed through active transport, and lipids are broken down into fatty acids and absorbed through simple diffusion. Therefore, all three substances (water, proteins, and lipids) are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these substances is indeed absorbed in the small intestine through different mechanisms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The large intestine's main role is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food material and to form solid waste for elimination. This process helps maintain the body's fluid balance. Producing enzymes (Choice A) is primarily the function of the pancreas and small intestine. Absorbing nutrients (Choice B) occurs mainly in the small intestine. Digestion of proteins (Choice D) occurs primarily in the stomach and small intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is C as the large intestine's main function is water absorption.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: small intestine. Fats are primarily digested in the small intestine. First, bile from the liver emulsifies fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets. Then, pancreatic enzymes like lipase break down these smaller droplets into fatty acids and glycerol for absorption. The small intestine is where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs, making it the main site for fat digestion. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Stomach - Minimal fat digestion occurs in the stomach as it primarily focuses on protein digestion. B: Pancreas - The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid in fat digestion, but the actual breakdown of fats happens in the small intestine. D: Large intestine - Fat digestion is not a primary function of the large intestine; it mainly absorbs water and electrolytes.