Question

A nurse is caring for a client who recently added increased fiber to the diet, and now avoids fiber because it led to abdominal distention, flatus, and abdominal pain. What response by the nurse is best?

a. "How much fiber did you add to your daily diet?"
b. "You realize high fiber foods are best to prevent constipation."
c. "Tell me what foods you added and how you added them."
d. "Did your health care provider instruct you on a high fiber diet?"

Answer 1

The best response is for the nurse to ask the client what foods were added and how, to evaluate the introduction and types of fiber in the client's diet. Educating about tracking fiber intake and the benefits of dietary fiber may help alleviate symptoms and promote health.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse's best response to a client who has experienced abdominal discomfort after adding increased fiber to their diet would be option c, "Tell me what foods you added and how you added them." By asking this question, the nurse can understand the type of fiber added and the rate at which it was introduced to the client's diet. Gradual introduction of fiber and consuming a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber can help alleviate symptoms such as distention, flatus, and abdominal pain. Educating the client about using food labels and online fiber counters to track their daily intake could be beneficial.

Additionally, discussing the health benefits of dietary fiber and whole grains, including lower risks of various diseases, might motivate the client to adjust their diet more effectively. It is important to encourage the client to gradually increase fiber intake so that the body can adjust without causing discomfort.