When assessing a client after gallbladder surgery, what finding would be considered normal?

After gallbladder surgery, mild discomfort at the incision site is a normal finding. Surgical procedures often result in some level of pain or discomfort in the area where the surgery was performed due to tissue manipulation and healing processes. This discomfort usually subsides over time as the patient recovers. It is important for healthcare providers to differentiate between normal postoperative discomfort and symptoms that may indicate complications, such as infection or significant pain.

In contrast, severe abdominal tenderness could suggest a complication, such as an infection or internal bleeding, warranting further investigation. A fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit is often seen as a sign of potential infection and should be closely monitored, as it could indicate that something is amiss post-surgery. Abdominal distention can signal issues such as bowel obstruction or other abdominal complications, which would also require further evaluation.

Therefore, mild discomfort at the incision site aligns with typical recovery processes following gallbladder surgery, while the other findings denote conditions that may necessitate intervention or further assessment.