Roughage in the diet stimulates?

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhatinda NO - 2019

Explanation

Roughage, or dietary fiber, is the indigestible part of plant foods.
It absorbs water in the intestines, adding bulk to the stool.
This bulk stretches the intestinal walls, which is the direct stimulus for peristalsis.
Peristalsis is the series of wave-like muscle contractions that moves contents through the digestive tract.
This process is essential for regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.

Option A: Roughage does not stimulate appetite. In fact, high-fiber foods increase the feeling of fullness (satiety), which tends to decrease appetite.
Option C: The secretion of digestive juices is primarily triggered by the sight, smell, and presence of food in the stomach and duodenum, as well as by hormonal signals like gastrin, not by roughage passing through the intestines.
Option D: There is no direct physiological link between the consumption of dietary fiber and the stimulation of general blood circulation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physiological effect of dietary fiber (roughage) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must assess the dietary habits of patients, particularly those who are elderly, post-operative, or have limited mobility, as they are at high risk for constipation.
Encouraging a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with adequate fluid intake, is a primary nursing intervention to promote normal bowel function and prevent complications like fecal impaction.
What if? A patient increases their fiber intake significantly but does not increase their fluid intake? This can worsen constipation or even lead to a bowel obstruction. Fiber needs water to form a soft, bulky stool; without it, the fiber can create a hard, difficult-to-pass mass.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Roughage'.
Recall or deduce the definition of roughage, which is dietary fiber.
Consider the primary function of dietary fiber in the human body, specifically within the digestive system.
Fiber is known to be indigestible and adds bulk. Think about what effect this bulk would have on a muscular tube like the intestine.
Evaluate each option: Does bulk stimulate appetite? (No, it makes you feel full). Does it stimulate digestive juices or circulation? (No direct link). Does it stimulate movement in the intestines? (Yes, by stretching the walls).
Select the option that describes the wave-like muscular movement of the intestines: Peristalsis.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qfzv9hFEzzAsShahjQ7GIW

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 25-27

E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 2 Part 1 p. 41-43

Practise the full AIIMS Bhatinda NO - 2019

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