A nurse is providing dietary education about general nutritional guidelines to a group of older adult patients. Which of the following statements, if made by a patient, would indicate an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A rationale

Hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants are not unusual in a patient one day postoperative following an appendectomy. This is because anesthesia and surgery can slow down the bowel movements temporarily.

Choice B rationale

Red streaks along the incision are a sign of infection. This could indicate cellulitis, a common skin infection that can be serious if left untreated. The red streaks are often warm to the touch and may be accompanied by other signs of infection such as fever, pain, and swelling.

Therefore, the nurse should report this finding.

Choice C rationale

Serosanguineous drainage at the incision site is not uncommon in the first few days after surgery. It is a mixture of blood and serum and is usually light pink to blood-tinged in color. However, if the drainage is heavy, or if it continues for more than a few days, it could be a sign of a problem such as infection or poor wound healing.

Choice D rationale

A temperature of 37.2 C (99 F) is within the normal range for body temperature. A slight elevation in temperature can be expected after surgery due to the body’s inflammatory response to the surgical trauma.

Choice A rationale

Enjoying a glass of red wine every evening is not directly linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis. While excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to bone loss, moderate consumption (up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men) does not appear to significantly affect bone mineral density.

Choice B rationale

Regular physical activity, such as walking, is actually beneficial for bone health. Weight-bearing exercises, including walking, can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Choice C rationale

Lactose intolerance can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Individuals with lactose intolerance often avoid dairy products, which are a major source of dietary calcium. Calcium is essential for bone health, and inadequate calcium intake can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Choice D rationale

Gardening is a form of physical activity, and like walking, it can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. There is no evidence to suggest that gardening increases the risk of osteoporosis.