A nurse is teaching a client about foods and beverages that can cause diarrhea. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because the RN as a teacher aims to promote health literacy, self-management, and shared decision-making among patients and their families. By helping people to become empowered to take care of their health, the RN can facilitate positive health outcomes and prevent complications.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because the RN as a teacher does not focus on explaining what nurses do, but rather on educating patients about their health conditions, treatments, and self-care. While it is important for the patient to understand the role of the nurse, this is not the main goal of teaching.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because the RN as a teacher does not limit teaching to discharge instructions. Teaching is an ongoing process that starts from admission and continues throughout the continuum of care. Discharge instructions are only one component of teaching that summarizes the key information and actions that the patient needs to follow after leaving the hospital.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because the RN as a teacher does not aim to teach patients how to give themselves treatments to get them out of the hospital quicker, but rather to help them achieve optimal health and wellness. Teaching patients how to give themselves treatments is part of the skill development aspect of teaching, but it is not the main goal. The main goal is to help patients understand the rationale, benefits, and risks of their treatments, and to support them in adhering to their treatment plans.

Choice A reason: I try to walk in the hallway each day with assistance is a correct statement. Walking is a form of physical activity that can stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Walking also has other benefits such as improving circulation, muscle strength, and mood. The patient should be encouraged to walk as much as possible with assistance to prevent falls and injuries.

Choice B reason: I need to increase fiber in my diet and drink more water is a correct statement. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by the body and helps to form soft and bulky stools. Fiber can be found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Water is essential for hydration and helps to soften the stools and ease their passage. The patient should be advised to consume at least 25 grams of fiber and 8 glasses of water per day to prevent constipation.

Choice C reason: I take my laxative every morning and an enema every night is an incorrect statement that requires follow-up teaching by the nurse. Laxatives and enemas are medications that are used to treat constipation by stimulating or lubricating the bowel. However, they should not be used routinely or excessively, as they can cause side effects such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or dependence. The patient should be instructed to use laxatives and enemas only as prescribed by the doctor and for a short period of time. The patient should also be informed of the potential risks and complications of overusing laxatives and enemas.

Choice D reason: The pain medication I take tends to make my constipation worse is a correct statement. Pain medications, especially opioids, can slow down the movement of the bowel and cause constipation. This is a common and expected side effect of pain medications. The patient should be educated on how to manage constipation caused by pain medications, such as increasing fiber and water intake, exercising regularly, and using stool softeners or laxatives as needed. The patient should also be reassured that constipation does not mean that the pain medication is not working or that they are addicted to it.