A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has an ileal conduit following bladder cancer. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for the nurse to provide additional teaching?

Choice A reason: Ignoring the urge to defecate is a cause of constipation, as it can lead to hardening and accumulation of stool in the colon. The nurse should advise the client to respond to the urge to defecate as soon as possible and to establish a regular bowel routine.

Choice B reason: Increased fiber in the diet is not a cause of constipation, but rather a prevention measure. Fiber helps to soften the stool and increase its bulk, which facilitates its passage through the colon. The nurse should encourage the client to consume adequate amounts of fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Choice C reason: Excessive laxative use is a cause of constipation, as it can interfere with the normal functioning of the colon and cause dependency. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid using laxatives unless prescribed by the provider and to use them only for a short period of time.

Choice D reason: Increased activity is not a cause of constipation, but rather a prevention measure. Activity helps to stimulate the peristalsis of the colon and promote bowel movements. The nurse should recommend the client to engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day

Choice A: Iron supplements are used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, but they can also reduce the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and make the stools harder and drier¹². This can lead to difficulty in passing stools and increased straining.
Choice B: Magnesium-containing antacids are used to treat heartburn and acid reflux, but they can also have a laxative effect and cause diarrhea¹³. This is because magnesium draws water into the intestines and stimulates bowel movements.
Choice C: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, but they can also disrupt the normal flora of the gut and cause diarrhea¹⁴. This is because antibiotics can kill the beneficial bacteria that help digest food and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that cause inflammation and infection.
Choice D: Anticholinergics/antispasmodics are used to treat overactive bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, and other conditions that involve muscle spasms in the gut, but they can also slow down the movement of the intestines and relax the muscles that help push the stools out¹ . This can lead to reduced frequency and difficulty in defecation.
Choice E: Opioid narcotics are used to treat moderate to severe pain, but they can also block the signals from the brain to the gut and inhibit the contraction of the intestinal muscles¹ . This can lead to decreased bowel activity and accumulation of hard and dry stools.