After removal of an NG tube on the second postoperative day, a patient with a clear liquid diet develops sharp gas pains. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Reinsert the NG tube.
• B. Give the PRN IV opioid.
• C. Assist the patient to ambulate.
• D. Place the patient on NPO status.

Answer: (C)

Gas pains after a procedure often come from a temporary slowdown of bowel movement (postoperative ileus). Encouraging ambulation helps waking the gut: walking mechanically stimulates peristalsis, promotes movement of gas through the intestines, and reduces distension and pain. Giving an IV opioid would slow gut motility and worsen the gas pain. Reinserting the NG tube isn’t indicated unless there’s ongoing distention with obstruction or vomiting, and staying NPO would not help since the patient is already advancing to a clear-liquid diet. So, getting the patient up and moving is the most effective way to relieve the gas pains.