After a subtotal gastrectomy, what is the first action a nurse should take when a client reports severe abdominal pain and rigidity?

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In the scenario presented, the appropriate initial action after a client reports severe abdominal pain and rigidity following a subtotal gastrectomy is to notify the healthcare provider. This decision stems from the potential for serious complications such as perforation, obstruction, or peritonitis, which can arise after such a surgical procedure. Severe abdominal pain and rigidity often indicate an acute abdomen, which requires immediate medical evaluation and potentially urgent intervention.

Notifying the healthcare provider ensures that the situation is escalated appropriately so that further assessments, diagnostic tests, or treatments can be initiated as soon as possible. It is crucial for the nurse to communicate these symptoms to the healthcare provider without delay, as timely intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes in cases of surgical complications.

While assessing for other symptoms and performing a thorough abdominal assessment are important components of nursing care, they should typically follow the initial step of alerting the healthcare provider in this context. Administering pain medication may mask symptoms and could delay the diagnosis of a critical condition, so it would not be the most prudent first action in the face of such alarming signs.

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