A nurse is caring for a client who has dysphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Aluminum-containing antacids are more likely to cause constipation rather than diarrhea.

Choice B reason: Magnesium-containing antacids can cause diarrhea because magnesium can act as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the intestines and increasing peristalsis.

Choice C reason: While antibiotics can disrupt the gut flora and potentially cause diarrhea, they are not the best
answer when compared to magnesium-containing antacids specifically known for this side effect.

Choice D reason: Anticholinergics/antispasmodics typically reduce gastrointestinal motility, which would more likely lead to constipation instead of diarrhea.

Choice E reason: Opioid narcotics are known to cause constipation due to reduced gut motility, not diarrhea

Answer: B

Rationale:

A. "You should expect your stoma to be a purple color": A healthy stoma should be pink or red in color. A purple or dark-colored stoma may indicate poor blood flow and could be a sign of complications requiring immediate medical attention.

B. "You will have a stoma in your left lower abdomen": For a sigmoid colostomy, the stoma is typically located in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen. This placement is consistent with the nature of the procedure and is a correct and important piece of information for preoperative teaching.

C. "Your colostomy will not produce formed stool": A sigmoid colostomy usually results in the production of more formed stool because it is located closer to the rectum, where most of the water has been absorbed. Expecting unformed stool is more typical of a colostomy in the ascending or transverse colon.

D. "The end of the stoma will be painful after this procedure": While some discomfort is normal postoperatively, the stoma itself should not be persistently painful. Pain management and proper care should be addressed, but ongoing severe pain could indicate complications.