A nurse is caring for a patient with esophageal surgery who has had stents placed in the esophagus and instructs the patient how best to avoid regurgitation. What should the nurse include in this instruction?

A. Perforation: A temperature of 102.4° F and abdominal rigidity are suggestive of peritonitis, which is a potential complication of diverticulosis. Perforation of a diverticulum can lead to leakage of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity, causing infection and inflammation.

B. Obstruction: Although obstruction can occur in diverticulosis, it typically causes symptoms such as bloating, abdominal distention, and pain, not fever and rigidity.

C. Infection: While infection can occur with diverticulosis, fever and rigidity in this scenario are more likely due to perforation leading to peritonitis, which is a more severe condition.

D. Constipation: While constipation can exacerbate diverticulosis, it would not typically cause fever or abdominal rigidity.

A. Enemas should be given on a weekly basis: Enemas are not a primary method of managing opioid-induced constipation and are used only as a last resort.

B. Laxatives should be given on a daily basis: Daily laxative use may lead to dependence and is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.

C. Adequate hydration consists of four full glasses of water every day: While hydration is essential, four glasses may not be sufficient for some individuals to prevent constipation.

D. Stool softeners are taken on a regular basis during opioid use: This is the standard prevention strategy for opioid-induced constipation, as stool softeners help maintain stool consistency without causing dependency.