Final answer:
A nurse should advise a patient with chronic constipation to increase fiber intake, drink plenty of water, and regularly exercise. It's important to eat a balanced diet high in fiber-rich foods and omega-3 fatty acids, and low in processed foods and trans fats. This helps in promoting regular bowel movements and overall gut health.
Step-by-step explanation:
When providing dietary teaching to a patient with chronic constipation, a nurse should include the following instructions:
- Increase fiber intake
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get regular exercise.
- Make healthy fruit and vegetable choices that are high in fiber such as plums, prunes, beans, and whole grains.
- Limit intake of sugar, salt, saturated fats, and especially avoid trans fats.
- Increase omega-3 fatty acids intake by consuming foods like salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds.
Eating a balanced diet that is high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, and low in trans fats is essential. Whole grains, legumes, and a variety of fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary fiber which contributes to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as colon cancer and type 2 diabetes, besides alleviating constipation.