An adult client reports to the nurse that she has been experiencing co

An adult client reports to the nurse that she has been experiencing constipation recently and is interested in any suggestions regarding dietary changes she might make.

Which of the following suggestions provided by the nurse is most likely to minimize the client’s complaint?
1. “Have you tried foods like prunes and bran?”
2. “You might find the new flavored bulk laxatives helpful.”
3. “What have you tried in the past that hasn’t been helpful?”
4. “Increase your fluid intake; have some juice with breakfast.”

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Unless there is a medical contraindication, an adult needs to drink six to eight glasses (1500 to 2000 mL) of noncaffeinated fluid daily. An increase in fluid intake with the use of fruit juices softens stool and increases peristalsis. Poor fluid intake increases the risk for constipation because of reabsorption of fluid in the colon, resulting in hard, dry stools. Although some of the options are food related, they are not as direct; a laxative is not a dietary change.