A 45-year-old client has a permanent colostomy. Which of the following foods should be avoided?

Appeared in: NORCET 5 mains

Explanation

The correct option includes cabbage, a food that should be avoided by clients with a colostomy.
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable containing raffinose, a carbohydrate that is poorly digested and ferments in the colon, leading to significant gas production and odor.
Besides causing gas and odor, raw or poorly chewed cabbage can also contribute to stomal blockage, a serious complication.

Option A: This meal is generally a safe option. Creamy peanut butter can actually help thicken the stool and control diarrhea.
Option C: This is a good choice for a client with a colostomy. Oatmeal and whole-wheat toast provide soluble fiber, which can help create a formed, soft stool.
Option D: This meal is generally acceptable. While fish like tuna can increase stool odor, it does not typically cause gas or blockage.

Visual 1: Infographic: A two-column chart titled 'Colostomy Diet Guide'. The left column lists 'Foods to Limit' (e.g., cabbage, beans, corn, nuts) with icons representing gas, odor, and blockage. The right column lists 'Safer Food Choices' (e.g., bananas, rice, yogurt, tender meats).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Dietary management for a client with a colostomy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Patient education is a critical nursing responsibility. Nurses must teach clients with new ostomies how to manage their diet to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Dietary management is highly individual. Encourage clients to keep a food diary and introduce new foods one at a time to identify personal triggers for gas, odor, or diarrhea.
Controlling gas and odor is crucial for the client's social and psychological well-being, helping them to resume normal activities with confidence.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core of the question: What food is problematic for a person with a colostomy?
Recall or look up the common dietary restrictions for colostomy patients, focusing on foods that cause gas, odor, diarrhea, or blockage.
Scan each option for known problem foods.
Option B contains cabbage, which is a classic example of a gas-forming vegetable that should be limited or avoided.
Evaluate the other options. They contain foods that are either neutral or potentially beneficial (like oatmeal or peanut butter for thickening stool), making them less likely to be the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Dietary management for a client with a colostomy.
Stem keywords: permanent colostomy, foods, avoided
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
Clinical cues: The presence of a permanent colostomy, which necessitates long-term dietary adjustments.

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.