A patient recovering from a sigmoid colectomy on postoperative day 2 reports nausea and abdominal distension. Bowel sounds are hypoactive and the patient has not passed flatus. What is the priority nursing intervention?
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A
Administer an antiemetic and advance the diet to clear liquids
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B
Encourage the patient to ambulate in the hallway
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C
Insert a rectal tube to relieve accumulated gas
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D
Request an order for a stimulant laxative