Before measuring intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in a patient with ileus, what should the nurse prepare?

Measuring intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is crucial for assessing abdominal compartment syndrome and other gastrointestinal issues, and ensuring proper patient positioning can significantly affect the accuracy of the measurement. The correct preparation involves placing the patient in a full supine position and measuring the IAP at the end of expiration.

When the patient is in the supine position, the abdominal contents are more uniformly distributed, providing a consistent baseline for pressure measurement. Measuring at the end of expiration is critical because intra-abdominal pressure fluctuates with the respiratory cycle; at the end of expiration, the pressure should be more stable and reflects the baseline IAP without the influences of intrathoracic pressure during inhalation.

This position minimizes variations due to gravity and physical activity, leading to a more reliable assessment of the intra-abdominal pressure, which is essential for making appropriate clinical decisions.