The nurse cares for a client with a new order to advance to a low-residue diet. Which food should the nurse recommend to the client consistent with a low-residue diet?

Rationale:
A. Scheduling a follow-up FOBT is not the appropriate next step after three positive results. Repeating the same test will not provide additional useful information and delays definitive evaluation of the underlying cause.

B. Discussing dietary changes is important before performing FOBTs to prevent false positives, such as avoiding red meat, certain vegetables, or medications that can cause a false-positive result. However, once three tests are positive, dietary influence is no longer the primary concern.

C. Advising the client to repeat the test at home is unnecessary and not recommended after three positive results. The repeated positive results indicate the need for diagnostic evaluation rather than further screening.

D. Referring the client for a colonoscopy is the correct action. Multiple positive FOBTs indicate potential gastrointestinal bleeding, which could be caused by polyps, colorectal cancer, or other significant pathology. Colonoscopy allows direct visualization of the colon and rectum, biopsy of suspicious lesions, and definitive diagnosis. This is the standard follow-up for positive FOBTs to ensure early detection and appropriate treatment.

Rationale:
A. A client with an infection on the foot who has an order for antifungal cream requires treatment, but this is not an immediate life-threatening situation. While topical antifungals are important for managing infection, the client’s condition is stable and can be addressed after more urgent needs are met.

B. A client with new chest pain who has a STAT order for nitroglycerin paste should be seen first. New chest pain may indicate myocardial ischemia or an acute coronary event, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. Administering the nitroglycerin promptly is critical to relieve pain, improve coronary blood flow, and prevent complications such as myocardial infarction. STAT orders indicate immediate priority, making this client the highest priority among those listed.

C. A client with chronic pain who has a scheduled fentanyl patch requires ongoing pain management, but this is a non-urgent, routine intervention. Delaying the application by a short time is less likely to result in immediate harm compared with a client experiencing new chest pain.

D. A client with an order for collagenase during wound care also requires timely intervention for proper wound healing, but the condition is not life-threatening. Wound care can be safely scheduled after urgent interventions, such as addressing new chest pain, are completed.