Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With HIV AIDS Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With HIV AIDS related questions and content

A client visits the nurse complaining of diarrhea after every meal. The client has AIDS and wants to know what to do to stop having diarrhea. What should the nurse advise?

  • A. Avoid fibrous foods, lactose, fat, and caffeine.
  • B. Encourage large, high-fat meals.
  • C. Reduce food intake.
  • D. Increase the intake of iron and zinc.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Diarrhea may subside when the client avoids residue, lactose, fat, and caffeine. Although eating may seem to cause diarrhea, the client must understand that limiting the intake of food to control diarrhea only exacerbates wasting. The client will tolerate a low-fat, high-carbohydrate, and soft or liquid diet better than large, high-fat meals. The client should be advised to avoid large doses of iron and zinc because they can impair the functioning of the immune system.