The nurse is providing post-op education to a client who had a splenectomy. Which statement by the client indicates that the nurse’s teaching was successful?
“I need to eat a diet low in fiber to rest my digestive tract.”
“I will need to be careful when I go to the NFL game next month.”
“I need to talk to my doctor about getting influenza, pneumococcal, and meningococcal vaccines.”
Number 4 is correct.
Clients without a spleen are at increased risk of infection. The spleen manufactures many antibodies, so clients should consult their health care provider about receiving vaccinations two weeks following surgery. Regular activity cannot be resumed for a period of 4 – 8 weeks after surgery. Two weeks is too soon to return to yoga. There is no need to eat a low-fiber diet to rest the digestive tract following a splenectomy. Large crowds should be avoided due to the risk of infection, so the client should not attend a sporting event within a month of surgery.
