A nurse is reinforcing teaching about measures to control odor with a client who has a new colostomy.
Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend the client include in their diet?

Choice A rationale

Administering IV fluids as prescribed can be essential for maintaining fluid balance, but it does not directly address abnormal vital signs unless they are linked to hypovolemia. The nurse should prioritize identifying the cause of the abnormalities first, and then proceed with interventions aimed at stabilization and correction.

Choice B rationale

Placing the client in a supine position can exacerbate certain conditions, such as respiratory distress or hypoxia. While position changes may be needed in specific cases, this is not a primary action for addressing abnormal vital signs unless positional changes are directly implicated.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring for signs of infection is an important ongoing care strategy, especially when abnormal findings suggest potential sepsis. However, it alone does not resolve immediate concerns with abnormal vital signs and must be paired with communication and treatment strategies.

Choice D rationale

Promptly notifying the provider about abnormal findings ensures that the client's condition is evaluated comprehensively. Providers can order additional assessments or interventions to address potential underlying issues, thereby preventing clinical deterioration.

Choice A rationale

Wet clothing exacerbates hypothermia by promoting heat loss through convection and evaporation. Replacing them with warmed blankets initiates passive rewarming, critical to restore normal body temperature (36.5°C to 37.5°C). Maintaining a warm environment minimizes shivering-induced metabolic demands and improves thermal regulation post-rescue.

Choice B rationale

Axillary thermometers measure skin temperature, often inaccurate in hypothermia where core temperature is needed. Core measurements via rectal or esophageal probes provide reliable readings, guiding rewarming interventions and severity classification, crucial for life-threatening hypothermia management.

Choice C rationale

Antihypertensives lower blood pressure and are inappropriate in hypothermia-related bradycardia or hypotension. Hypothermia-induced vasoconstriction maintains critical perfusion; medication interruption can worsen cardiovascular instability and reduce survival chances. Warmth stabilization precedes pharmacological actions.

Choice D rationale

Range-of-motion exercises increase metabolic rate but are not appropriate during hypothermia recovery. Muscular activity elevates oxygen demand, aggravating hypothermia risks such as arrhythmias. Passive warming supersedes these efforts until the client reaches normothermia and stability.