An adult female client has a body mass index of 34.5 kg/m2 and has expressed interest in bariatric surgery. What characteristic of the client's health status may exclude her from being an appropriate surgical candidate?

Choice A reason: Oily stools are common, especially when excessive fat is consumed, because orlistat blocks the absorption of fat in the intestines. The undigested fat is then eliminated in the stool, making it oily, greasy, or foul-smelling.

Choice B reason: Many patients note having an increase of gas and flatus, because orlistat can also interfere with the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins, causing fermentation and gas production in the colon.

Choice C reason: Constipation is not a common side effect with this medication. In fact, orlistat may cause the opposite effect of diarrhea, as the unabsorbed fat can irritate the bowel and increase the motility.

Choice D reason: Some patients report the development of fecal incontinence, because orlistat can cause unpredictable bowel movements and difficulty in controlling the passage of stool, especially if the patient consumes a high-fat diet.

Choice E reason: This medication does have side effects, even though it can be bought over the counter. Orlistat is a prescription-strength drug that can cause serious adverse reactions, such as liver damage, kidney stones, gallbladder problems, and vitamin deficiencies. The over-the-counter version is a lower dose than the prescription one, but it still requires medical supervision and lifestyle changes.

Choice A reason: Reintroducing foods that intensify symptoms one at a time is not an intervention that the nurse would recommend for a client with GERD. Foods that can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms include spicy, acidic, fatty, or fried foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, mint, garlic, and onion. The nurse would advise the client to avoid or limit these foods, not to reintroduce them.

Choice B reason: Promoting intake of food and fluids 1 to 2 hours before bedtime is not an intervention that the nurse would recommend for a client with GERD. Eating or drinking close to bedtime can increase the risk of acid reflux, as the stomach contents can flow back into the esophagus when the client lies down. The nurse would suggest the client to have smaller and more frequent meals, and to avoid eating or drinking at least 3 hours before bedtime.

Choice C reason: Maintaining an upright position following meals is an intervention that the nurse would recommend for a client with GERD. Keeping an upright posture can help prevent or reduce acid reflux, as gravity can help keep the stomach contents in place. The nurse would encourage the client to avoid bending, stooping, or lying down for at least 2 hours after eating.

Choice D reason: Increasing the amount of carbonated beverages is not an intervention that the nurse would recommend for a client with GERD. Carbonated beverages can increase the production of gas and stomach acid, which can cause bloating, belching, and acid reflux. The nurse would advise the client to drink water or other non-carbonated fluids, and to avoid drinking through a straw or chewing gum, which can also introduce air into the stomach.