After which surgical procedure is the client most likely to experience long-term absorption difficulties?

After a small bowel resection, the client is most likely to experience long-term absorption difficulties. This is because the small intestine plays a critical role in the absorption of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. When a portion of the small intestine is removed, the surface area available for nutrient absorption is significantly reduced.

As a result, patients may suffer from malabsorption syndromes, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time. This can manifest as weight loss, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The extent of absorption difficulties often depends on the length of the resected bowel segment and the specific area involved, but generally, the more significant the resection of the small bowel, the greater the impact on absorption.

In contrast, procedures like appendectomy, colectomy, and ascending colostomy do not typically result in long-term absorption issues to the same extent. An appendectomy primarily removes the appendix, a non-essential organ, and does not significantly affect digestion or nutrient absorption. A colectomy, while it can impact bowel function and fluid balance, usually preserves enough of the intestinal tract to allow for relatively normal absorption. An ascending colostomy, which diverts waste from a part of the large intestine, primarily