Question

• Describe a focused assessment for a postoperative gastrectomy patient.

Answer 1

Assessment of postoperative gastrectomy patient:
• Assess the position and patency of the nasogastric tube.
• Assess colour, amount and odour of the gastric discharge.
• Assess for electrolyte levels.
• Assess for bowel sounds and abdominal distribution.
• Assess for complications of the surgery like dumping syndrome, post prandial hypoglycemia and pernicious anaemia.
• Assess the level of pain.
• Assess for weight daily and compare with previous reading.
• Identify foods that cause gastric irritation.