Mr. Henderson is two days post-abdominal surgery and complaining of severe bloating. You help him sit up on the side of the bed and encourage a short walk down the hall. Suddenly, he passes gas. While the room might clear out a bit, medically speaking, this is fantastic news. This is flatus, and it is a critical sign that his digestive system is waking up.
What is Flatus?
Flatus (FLAY-tus) is the medical term for gas produced in the stomach or intestines that is expelled through the rectum. Commonly known as “passing gas” or “flatulence,” it is a normal byproduct of digestion. In a healthcare setting, it is a vital indicator of gastrointestinal function and motility—meaning the bowel is moving and working as it should.
Why Flatus Matters in Your Daily Care
Monitoring for flatus is essential, especially after surgery, illness, or periods of immobility. Gas buildup causes significant pain, bloating, and can even affect a resident’s appetite and breathing. For post-operative residents, the passage of flatus is often the primary sign that peristalsis (bowel movement) has returned, meaning they can start eating solid foods again. Your observation helps prevent serious complications like bowel obstructions.
What You’ll See During Your Shift
You will encounter this when residents complain of stomach pain, look bloated, or are recovering from anesthesia. You might actually see a resident visibly relax or sigh in relief after passing gas. Conversely, a resident with no flatus combined with a hard, distended abdomen is in distress and needs your help.
“Nurse Jamie, I just walked Mr. Henderson to the window and he passed flatus for the first time since his surgery. He says his stomach feels much softer and he’s not in pain anymore. I documented the time and wanted you to know for his diet orders.”
Common Pitfall & Pro Tip
⚠️ Pitfall: Being too embarrassed to discuss or document it because it seems “gross” or personal. Ignoring trapped gas leads to unnecessary resident suffering and can delay recovery.
Pro Tip: Normalize it for the resident. Encourage ambulation (walking) and frequent position changes, as these are the most effective ways to help gas move through the system. Getting them up and moving is often the best treatment.
Memory Aid for Flatus
Think “F is for Function.”
If they are Passing Flatus, the Factory (bowels) is Functioning. No Flatus = No Flow = Call the Nurse.
State Test Connection
Expect this topic in CNA exams under Restorative Skills and Post-Operative Care. You will likely see questions asking what indicates the return of bowel function—the correct answer is usually “passing flatus.”
Related Care Concepts
Flatus is directly linked to peristalsis (the wave-like muscle movements in the bowel), abdominal distention (swelling from trapped gas), and auscultation (listening to bowel sounds). It is also a key consideration when monitoring residents taking opioids, which significantly slow down bowel function and gas passage.
Quick Reference
✓ Key signs: Passing gas, relief of abdominal pain, softening of the stomach ✓ When to report: No flatus after surgery + pain/vomiting (possible obstruction), severe bloating, or inability to pass gas despite discomfort ✓ Care reminders: • Encourage walking and movement to relieve trapped gas • Offer privacy to reduce embarrassment for the resident • Document the passage of flatus post-op as it dictates diet progression • Report any foul odors accompanying blood or severe pain immediately
Bottom line: Never underestimate the power of a good fart. When you help a resident pass gas and find relief, you aren’t just being funny—you are actively managing their pain and supporting their recovery.