Patient Introduction

Mr. Watkins is a 69-year-old male who presented to the Emergency Department 4 days ago with complaints of nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain and was admitted for emergent surgery for bowel perforation. He underwent a hemicolectomy. He has a midline abdominal incision without redness, swelling, or drainage. He is tolerating a soft diet without nausea or vomiting. Bowel sounds are present in all four abdominal quadrants. He had a bowel movement yesterday. Last urinary output was 400 ml at 6 a.m. He is reluctant to use the incentive spirometer, but his wife encourages him to do his deep breathing. Abdominal pain has been controlled with morphine. He has refused to ambulate this morning because of fatigue and a sore leg. He is ringing the call light requesting to see his nurse.