Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What is considered the number one complaint associated with residual pneumoperitoneum?

1. Nausea

2. Pain

3. Fatigue

4. Dizziness

The correct answer is: Pain

Residual pneumoperitoneum refers to the presence of gas left in the abdominal cavity after surgical procedures, typically laparoscopic surgeries. Among the potential complaints that patients might experience, pain is the most commonly reported issue associated with residual pneumoperitoneum. This pain often results from the irritation of the abdominal wall due to the gas itself, which can cause discomfort as the gas can put pressure on surrounding tissues and organs. Nausea can be a related symptom, but it is often secondary to pain or the effects of anesthesia, rather than a direct result of the pneumoperitoneum itself. Fatigue and dizziness are less commonly linked to this condition, as they are typically associated with other factors such as postoperative recovery and fluid shifts rather than the presence of residual gas. Thus, pain stands out as the most significant and direct complaint linked to residual pneumoperitoneum.