Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions related questions and content

A nurse is giving dietary instructions to a client who has a new colostomy. The nurse encourages the client to eat foods representing which of the following diets for the first 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively?

  • A. High-protein
  • B. High-carbohydrate
  • C. Low-calorie
  • D. Low-residue
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Low-residue. After colostomy surgery, the bowel needs time to heal. A low-residue diet helps reduce the amount of undigested food passing through the colon, easing digestion and minimizing strain on the stoma. This diet typically includes easily digestible foods like white bread, rice, pasta, and well-cooked vegetables. High-protein (choice A) and high-carbohydrate (choice B) diets can be harder to digest and may cause discomfort. A low-calorie diet (choice C) is not necessary during the initial postoperative period when the focus should be on promoting healing and comfort.