Constipation can be prevented by?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2021

Biochemistry & Nutrition

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2021

Explanation

A high-fiber diet is the primary dietary recommendation for preventing constipation.
Fiber is indigestible plant matter that adds bulk to the stool, a principle supported by evidence from multiple nursing and nutrition texts.
It absorbs water, which softens the stool, making it larger and easier to pass through the colon.
This process stimulates peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract), reducing transit time.
Sources recommend a daily intake of 20-35 grams of fiber from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

Option A: High-fat diets, particularly those consisting of processed and fried foods, are often low in fiber and can slow down gastric emptying, potentially worsening constipation.
Option C: High-protein diets can lead to constipation, especially if they are not balanced with adequate fiber and fluid intake. They can displace fiber-rich carbohydrates from the diet.
Option D: A diet high in iron, particularly from supplements, is a very common cause of constipation. Iron can harden the stool, making it difficult to pass.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Dietary management and prevention of constipation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Patient education is a key nursing role in preventing constipation. Nurses should teach patients to gradually increase fiber intake to avoid gas and bloating, drink 2-3 liters of fluid daily, and engage in regular physical activity.
For patients starting medications known to cause constipation (e.g., opioids, iron supplements), nurses should proactively initiate a bowel regimen, including stool softeners and dietary advice.
What if the patient has a condition requiring fluid restriction, like heart failure or chronic kidney disease? The nurse must collaborate with the physician and dietitian to create a safe bowel management plan. This might involve maximizing fiber from food rather than supplements that require a lot of fluid, and carefully monitoring intake and output.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the prevention of constipation through diet.
Analyze the physiological effect of each dietary option on the gastrointestinal system.
Recall that fiber adds bulk and water to stool, which aids in its passage. This makes 'High fiber diet' a strong candidate.
Evaluate the distractors. Remember that high-fat and high-protein diets can be constipating if low in fiber, and iron is a well-known cause of constipation.
Based on this physiological knowledge, conclude that a high-fiber diet is the correct method for preventing constipation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nutrition Kumud Khanna 2e p. 254-256

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 623-625

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 35-37