A client is preparing for discharge to home following a partial gastrectomy and vagotomy. Which is the best rationale for the client being taught to lie down for 30 minutes after each meal?

After a partial gastrectomy and vagotomy, the best rationale for the client being taught to lie down for 30 minutes after each meal is slows gastric emptying.

Explanation:

Options for this question are:

Slows gastric emptying.
Provides much needed rest.
Allows for better absorption of vitamin B12.
Removes tension on internal suture line.

Partial gastrectomy + vaguectomy is a surgical procedure used as treatment in cases of malignant stomach tumors. The fact of dispensing with part of the stomach and the autonomous innervation of the organ causes a digestive alteration that requires special diet, change of eating habit and some recommendations.

Since slow digestion can cause some discomfort, the patient is recommended -after a gastrectomy- to take a lying break for 30 minutes, which reduces any symptoms related to slow stomach emptying.