A high fiber diet suggested for a constipation patient is based on the fact that?

BSF Staff Nurse - 2015

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Medium

Appeared in: BSF Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

A high-fiber diet is a cornerstone of managing functional constipation.
Fiber is indigestible plant material that absorbs water and adds bulk to the stool.
This increased bulk stretches the intestinal walls, which stimulates peristalsis (intestinal motility).
Increased motility moves stool through the colon more quickly, preventing it from becoming too dry and hard.
Therefore, a high-fiber diet directly increases intestinal motility to relieve constipation.

Option B: Decreased intestinal motility is a cause of constipation, not a treatment. Slowing down the movement of stool would worsen the condition by allowing more water to be absorbed, making the stool harder and more difficult to pass.
Option C: Fiber is not a digestive enzyme. Digestive enzymes are proteins that chemically break down food into smaller molecules for absorption. Fiber, by definition, is indigestible by human enzymes.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a valid reason is provided in the options. Option A correctly identifies the primary mechanism by which a high-fiber diet alleviates constipation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Mechanism of high-fiber diet in managing constipation to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Patient education is a key nursing responsibility. Nurses must instruct patients to increase fiber intake gradually to prevent gas and bloating.
It is critical to emphasize increasing fluid intake (e.g., 2-3 liters per day) along with fiber. Without enough fluid, high fiber intake can worsen constipation or even lead to a bowel obstruction.
Regular physical activity should be encouraged as it also helps stimulate intestinal motility and complements the effects of a high-fiber diet.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concepts in the question: 'high fiber diet' and 'constipation'.
Recall the basic physiology of digestion and bowel elimination. Constipation involves slow movement of stool through the colon.
Think about the properties of fiber. It's known as 'bulk' or 'roughage'.
Connect the property of 'bulk' to its effect on the intestines. Increased bulk stretches the intestinal walls.
This stretching action stimulates the muscles of the intestine to contract and move the contents along. This movement is called 'motility' or 'peristalsis'.
Evaluate the options: 'Increases intestinal motility' directly matches this physiological mechanism. 'Decreases motility' would worsen constipation. 'Digestive enzyme' is incorrect as fiber is indigestible. Therefore, the first option is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 pp. 156-158, 157-159

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 623-625