A client who has undergone a gastrointestinal surgery is permitted to

A client who has undergone a gastrointestinal surgery is permitted to have a clear liquid diet on the second postoperative day. Which fluid should the nurse order from the diet kitchen for this client?

1. Apricot nectar
2. Cranberry juice
3. Chicken broth
4. Cherry ice pop

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Apricot nectar is thick with pulp.
Rationale 2: Cranberry juice is red. Clients who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery are often not allowed to have red liquids because the color can be confused with blood if the client vomits.
Rationale 3: Chicken broth is the only liquid listed that is clear and not red.
Rationale 4: A cherry ice pop is red. Clients who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery are often not allowed to have red liquids because the color can be confused with blood if the client vomits.