Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
Practice
A 53 y.o. patient has undergone a partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach. An NG tube is in place and is connected to low continuous suction. During the immediate postoperative period, you expect the gastric secretions to be which color?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Red. After a partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach, the gastric secretions are expected to be red due to blood in the stomach. This finding is significant as it indicates the presence of bleeding, which could be a complication postoperatively and requires immediate attention.
Option A) Brown is incorrect because brown gastric secretions are not typically expected after this type of surgery. Brown color may indicate the presence of old blood or bile.
Option B) Clear is incorrect as clear gastric secretions are not typical post-partial gastrectomy and would not be expected in this context.
Option D) Yellow is also incorrect because yellow gastric secretions are more commonly associated with issues like bile reflux rather than immediate postoperative findings after a partial gastrectomy.
Educationally, understanding the color and significance of gastric secretions post-gastrectomy is crucial for nurses caring for surgical patients. Recognizing abnormal findings like red gastric secretions can help prompt timely interventions and prevent complications, highlighting the importance of thorough assessment and clinical judgment in postoperative care.
Option A) Brown is incorrect because brown gastric secretions are not typically expected after this type of surgery. Brown color may indicate the presence of old blood or bile.
Option B) Clear is incorrect as clear gastric secretions are not typical post-partial gastrectomy and would not be expected in this context.
Option D) Yellow is also incorrect because yellow gastric secretions are more commonly associated with issues like bile reflux rather than immediate postoperative findings after a partial gastrectomy.
Educationally, understanding the color and significance of gastric secretions post-gastrectomy is crucial for nurses caring for surgical patients. Recognizing abnormal findings like red gastric secretions can help prompt timely interventions and prevent complications, highlighting the importance of thorough assessment and clinical judgment in postoperative care.