Question

A client is hospitalized for acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. The client reports 12-16 bloody stools per day with cramping and abdominal pain. The nurse explains that the order by the physician to promote bowel rest is for the client to:

a) Maintain a clear liquid diet
b) Avoid all oral intake
c) Consume a high-fiber diet
d) Drink plenty of caffeinated beverages

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the client to avoid all oral intake to promote bowel rest during an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The physician has ordered bowel rest for the client with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Bowel rest refers to reducing the activity of the bowel to allow it to heal. In this case, the nurse should advise the client to avoid all oral intake (option b). This means that the client should not consume any food or drink by mouth, including clear liquids, high-fiber foods, and caffeinated beverages.