For a postoperative client requesting relief from gas pains, which medication should the nurse administer?

Simethicone (Mylicon) is the appropriate choice for relieving gas pains in a postoperative client. This medication works by breaking down gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines, which can help alleviate discomfort associated with bloating and gas. It is particularly effective in aiding the body’s natural mechanisms for expelling gas, making it a suitable option for addressing the postoperative complications of gas pain.

In the context of postoperative care, patients often experience gas pains due to anesthesia and surgical manipulation of the intestines. Simethicone does not have systemic effects on the body, which makes it a safe option in this scenario, as it primarily acts locally within the gastrointestinal tract to relieve discomfort.

Other medications listed serve different purposes. Ondansetron is primarily used to treat nausea and vomiting, Acetaminophen is an analgesic for pain relief but does not specifically target gas pain, and Magnesium hydroxide can act as a laxative and may lead to increased bowel movement rather than directly addressing the immediate discomfort from gas. Hence, simethicone is the most appropriate choice for this situation.