Which intervention is essential in the postoperative care plan for a client with an NG tube on wall suction?

Discontinuing suction when assessing for peristalsis is essential because it allows for an accurate evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) function. After surgery, particularly abdominal surgery, assessing peristalsis is critical for monitoring recovery. If the suction is left on, it can impede the natural movement of the intestines and mask any signs of peristalsis. By temporarily discontinuing suction, a clinician can effectively listen for bowel sounds and observe any movement or changes that indicate whether the intestines are starting to function properly again.

The other interventions, while beneficial in certain contexts, do not directly pertain to assessing GI function and are therefore secondary considerations. For instance, irrigating the NG tube can be necessary for maintaining patency, but it does not directly contribute to assessing peristalsis. Placing sequential compression devices helps prevent venous thromboembolism, and encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer supports respiratory function, but neither of these actions is specific to evaluating bowel movement and function, which is why the first option stands out as most critical in this situation.