Question

A client who is to have a cystectomy with creation of an ileal conduit asks the nurse why the bowel needs to be cleansed before surgery if the bladder is being removed. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

1."All clients undergo bowel preparation with major surgery." 2."This will decrease the chance of postoperative paralytic ileus."
3."A portion of the bowel will be used to create the conduit for urinary diversion."
4."This will reduce the chance that the surgeon will nick the bowel during surgery."

Answer 1

The bowel needs to be cleansed prior to cystectomy and the creation of an ileal conduit to reduce infection risks and ensure the portion of the ileum used is free of waste.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate response to the client's question would be: “A portion of the bowel will be used to create the conduit for urinary diversion.” This is because during a cystectomy with creation of an ileal conduit, the surgeon will use a section of the ileum (part of the small intestine) to construct a new passage for urine to exit the body since the bladder is being removed. It’s important for the bowel to be cleansed prior to surgery to reduce the risk of infection and ensure a clean working environment, which facilitates healing and minimizes complications.

The large intestine, which is involved in absorbing water and electrolytes, can be removed without significantly impacting the overall digestive functions. In contrast, the ileum will serve as the conduit, necessitating a preoperative bowel preparation to clear the section that will be in contact with urine. Furthermore, normal peristalsis and the movement of chyme through the ileum are critical for the function of this new urinary system.