A client asks the nurse about the purpose of a barium enema in the diagnostic process for gastrointestinal cancer. How should the nurse respond?

A) Incorrect. It is important for clients with gastrointestinal cancer to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into their diet, as they provide essential nutrients.

B) Correct. A balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins supports overall health and can help the body cope with the demands of cancer treatment.

C) Incorrect. A high-fat, low-fiber diet is not typically recommended for clients with gastrointestinal cancer, as it may exacerbate certain symptoms and is not conducive to overall health.

D) Incorrect. While some clients may have dietary restrictions based on their individual treatment plan, a blanket recommendation for only liquid diets is not appropriate.

A) Correct. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are commonly used treatments for gastrointestinal cancer, often used in combination or sequentially.

B) Incorrect. While immunotherapy is an emerging treatment option for some types of cancer, it is not the sole primary treatment for all gastrointestinal cancers.

C) Incorrect. Alternative therapies such as herbal supplements are not considered the preferred or primary approach for treating gastrointestinal cancer.

D) Incorrect. Gastrointestinal cancer treatment often involves a multimodal approach, including surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy.