NCLEX-RNBasic Care and ComfortMedium
A nurse is teaching a client about preventing constipation through diet. Which instruction should the nurse include?
- AEliminate all whole grains and replace with white bread and rice
- BIncrease dietary fiber intake to 25-30 g/day and increase fluid intake to 2-3 L/day
- CIncrease dietary fiber intake rapidly to more than 40 g/day within the first week
- DLimit fluid intake to less than 1 L/day while increasing fiber intake
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Increase dietary fiber intake to 25-30 g/day and increase fluid intake to 2-3 L/day
A gradual increase in dietary fiber (25-30 g/day) paired with adequate fluid intake (2-3 L/day) softens stool and promotes peristalsis, preventing constipation. Fiber without adequate fluid can worsen constipation or cause obstruction, and low-fiber refined grains do not aid bowel regularity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Refined grains lack fiber and would not help prevent constipation.
- C. Too rapid an increase can cause bloating, cramping, and gas.
- D. Restricting fluids with high fiber intake can worsen constipation or cause impaction.
Fiber & Fluid for Constipation Prevention
Adequate dietary fiber (25-30 g/day) combined with sufficient fluid intake (2-3 L/day) softens stool and stimulates peristalsis to prevent constipation.
- Increase fiber gradually to avoid gas/bloating
- Fluid must accompany fiber intake
- Physical activity also promotes bowel motility
Memory trick: "Fiber needs fluid, or it turns to concrete."