A client is caring for her husband who recently experienced a cerebral

A client is caring for her husband who recently experienced a cerebral vascular accident. She tells the home care nurse that she has been very anxious lately about all the added responsibilities.

She adds that she has not been sleeping well and has had several bouts of diarrhea. Which of the following statements by the nurse focuses on the most likely cause of the gastrointestinal prob-lem?
1. “Have you experienced increased gas and cramping in addition to the diarrhea?”
2. “You are under a lot of stress; that can affect your bowels and result in diarrhea.”
3. “I suggest you get some over-the-counter medication and keep it on hand to manage those bouts.”
4. “Have you been eating a well-balanced diet since you brought your husband home?”

ANSWER

ANS: 2
During emotional stress the digestive process is accelerated, and peristalsis is increased. Side ef-fects of increased peristalsis are diarrhea and gaseous distention. The remaining options are fo-cused on the most likely cause of the problem, or they are focused on treatment, not cause.