Question

A nurse is providing instructions about bowel cleansing with

polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG) for a client who
is going to have a colonoscopy. Which of the following
information should the nurse include?

(A) "To prevent dehydration, drink an additional liter of fluid
during preparation time."
(B) "Expect bowel movements to begin 3 hr following
completion of solution."
(C) "Abdominal bloating might occur."
(D) "Drink 400 mL every hour until bowel movements are clear."

Answer 1

To provide proper guidance for a client undergoing bowel cleansing with polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution for a colonoscopy, a nurse should instruct on how to prevent dehydration, mention the possibility of abdominal bloating, and detail the drinking regimen to ensure clear bowel movements.

Step-by-step explanation:

When instructing a client about bowel cleansing using polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG) for a colonoscopy, it is crucial to include information to ensure both the efficacy and safety of the procedure. A nurse should advise: "To prevent dehydration, drink an additional liter of fluid during preparation time." It is important to emphasize that hydration is key, as PEG can cause significant fluid loss. The nurse should also mention that abdominal bloating is a possible side effect of the cleansing process. Lastly, a common guideline to ensure bowel cleanliness is to "Drink 400 mL every hour until bowel movements are clear," which facilitates the removal of fecal matter from the colon. However, the expectations for bowel movement onset can vary based on individual responses to the PEG solution.