A nurse is caring for a client who is to receive a mechanically altered diet. Which of the following client food choices necessitates intervention by the nurse?

A. The client may have difficulty voiding despite being taken to the bathroom, especially if there is an underlying issue such as urinary retention or an obstruction. Therefore, this step is usually taken after assessing the situation further.
B. Inserting a straight catheter is an invasive procedure that should not be the initial action. It is typically done after other non-invasive measures have been taken to evaluate the reason for the lack of voiding. Straight catheterization can be considered if other methods do not resolve the issue or if there is a clear indication of urinary retention that needs immediate intervention.
C. Performing a bladder scan is the appropriate first step. A bladder scan, or portable ultrasound, helps assess the amount of urine in the bladder and determines if the client is retaining urine. This non- invasive procedure can provide valuable information about the presence of urinary retention, which guides further intervention.
D. Increasing fluid intake might be appropriate if the client is dehydrated or has not been drinking enough fluids. However, this step is not the first action to take if the client has not voided for 8 hours. The priority is to determine if there is a physiological issue, such as urinary retention, before increasing fluids.

A. This term refers to the presence of excess fat in the stool, which makes it appear greasy or oily. Steatorrhea is usually associated with malabsorption issues such as celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis. The guaiac test does not detect steatorrhea; it specifically tests for blood in the stool.
B. These are organisms that live in or on another organism (host) and can be detected in stool samples through different tests, such as stool ova and parasite exams. The guaiac test does not detect parasites; it is designed to identify hidden blood in the stool.
C. Various bacterial infections can be identified through stool cultures or other specific tests. The guaiac test is not used to detect bacteria; it is focused on identifying the presence of blood in the stool.
D. The guaiac test is used to detect occult (hidden) blood in the stool. The presence of blood can be an indication of gastrointestinal issues, such as bleeding from ulcers, polyps, or tumors. The test works by using a chemical reaction (with guaiac) that turns blue in the presence of hemoglobin (a component of blood).