A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client.

Exhibits

A nurse notes the client's condition and initiates the following action.

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.

A. High fiber diet, laxatives, increased water intake, increased reflex for defecation: These factors promote healthy bowel movements. Fiber adds bulk to stool, water softens it, laxatives stimulate movement, and an intact defecation reflex supports regular elimination, all of which prevent constipation.

B. Decreased fiber diet, decreased water intake, decreased reflex for defecation: These are contributing factors to constipation. However, it leaves out other significant causes like medications and medical conditions that impair bowel function.

C. Increased fiber diet, increased hydration, increased reflex for defecation, medications, absence of disease processes: Fiber, hydration, absence of disease and a strong reflex help prevent constipation. However, medications like opioids and anticholinergics often cause constipation regardless of diet and hydration.

D. Decreased fiber diet, decreased hydration, decreased reflex for defecation, medications, disease processes: A low-fiber diet and poor hydration lead to hard stools. A weak defecation reflex can result from neurological decline. Medications and chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism can slow intestinal motility.

A. Exercise soon after eating to increase gastric emptying: Physical activity immediately after meals may actually worsen reflux symptoms by increasing intra-abdominal pressure and promoting acid reflux.

B. Try these proton-pump inhibitors for 2 weeks: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a first-line treatment for GERD. They reduce gastric acid production, promoting symptom relief and esophageal healing.

C. You need to schedule an upper GI endoscopy soon: Endoscopy is not immediately necessary unless there are alarm symptoms like dysphagia, weight loss, or bleeding. Initial management focuses on medication and lifestyle changes.

D. Over-the-counter antiemetics work well for this condition: Antiemetics are not effective in treating the underlying cause of GERD, which is acid reflux, not nausea or vomiting. They would not effectively treat the heartburn or esophageal inflammation associated with GERD.