Gastrointestinal Changes in pregnancy
Gastrointestinal Changes in pregnancy ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a pregnant client who has constipation.
The nurse should recommend which of the following interventions to promote bowel elimination?
Increasing fluid intake to at least 2 L per day can help prevent constipation by keeping stool soft and easy to pass. Fluids can include water, clear soups, teas, and fruit or vegetable juices.
Limiting intake of high-fiber foods can worsen constipation. High-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans can increase the number of stools and facilitate their passage through the intestines. Adults should eat between 28 and 34 grams of fiber each day.
Taking a daily iron supplement can cause constipation and hard, black stools. Iron can make it harder for bacteria in the bowel to break down food.
Avoiding physical activity can lead to constipation. Being active helps stool move through the intestines. Getting regular exercise, with a doctor’s approval, can help relieve constipation. If exercising is not possible, try to fit in a gentle walk each day.
Increasing fluid intake to at least 2 L per day can help prevent constipation by keeping stool soft and easy to pass. Fluids can include water, clear soups, teas, and fruit or vegetable juices.
Choice B is wrong because limiting intake of high-fiber foods can worsen constipation. High-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans can increase the number of stools and facilitate their passage through the intestines. Adults should eat between 28 and 34 grams of fiber each day.
Choice C is wrong because taking a daily iron supplement can cause constipation and hard, black stools. Iron can make it harder for bacteria in the bowel to break down food.
Prenatal vitamins that are high in iron may also contribute to constipation. If this is the case, a doctor may recommend trying a vitamin that contains less iron.
Choice D is wrong because avoiding physical activity can lead to constipation. Being active helps stool move through the intestines.
Getting regular exercise, with a doctor’s approval, can help relieve constipation. If exercising is not possible, try to fit in a gentle walk each day.