Cause analysis and nursing measurements of abdominal distention after lumbar fixation in elderly patients

Objective To analyze the cause and draw up nursing measure of abdominal distention after lumbar fixation in elderly patients.Methods The clinical data of 15 cases of abdominal distention after lumbar fixation in elderly patients were analyzed retrospectively from January 2011 to December 2012 in our department.The implementation effect was summarized after comprehensive care implemented to the similar patients in 2012.Results Postoperative abdominal distention was caused by various factors,such as physiological factors (7 cases,46.67％),psychological factors (4 cases,26.67％),bowel evacuation habits (2 cases,13.33％)),dietary factors (1 case,6.67％) and analgesic drugs (1 case,6.67％).The incidence of postoperative abdominal distention was significantly reduced after comprehensive care implemented in 2012 (x 2=7.16,P＜0.01).Conclusions Postoperative abdominal distention can be effectively prevented and controlled by full implementation of the reasonable and effective nursing measure. Key words: Lumbar spine;  Internal fixation;  Abdominal distention;  Nursing care