Question

A nurse is caring for a patient who underwent a subtotal gastrectomy. To manage dumping syndrome, the nurse should advise the patient to?

1) Eat small, frequent meals
2) Avoid high-sugar foods
3) Lie down after meals
4) Increase fluid intake

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the patient to eat small, frequent meals, avoid high-sugar foods, and possibly lie down after meals to manage dumping syndrome after a subtotal gastrectomy. Staying hydrated is important, but fluid intake should be between meals.

Step-by-step explanation:

To manage dumping syndrome after a subtotal gastrectomy, the nurse should advise the patient to: 1) Eat small, frequent meals to maintain stable blood glucose and insulin levels. 2) Avoid high-sugar foods since their consumption can lead to alimentary glycosuria, especially in patients who have had part of their stomach removed. 3) Lie down after meals may help in some instances as it uses gravity to prevent the backflow of stomach contents. However, in regard to dumping syndrome, the patient may be advised to avoid lying down immediately after meals as it could exacerbate symptoms. 4) It is important to stay hydrated, but increase fluid intake should be done between meals rather than during to help prevent symptoms of dumping syndrome. Eating foods high in water content and consuming unsweetened beverages over sweetened drinks can also provide hydration without excess sugar that might aggravate dumping syndrome.