The nurse is facilitating a support group for clients diagnosed with inflammatory Bowel Disease. Which information is most important for the nurse to share with this group?
Select All that Apply

A. "Take pain relief medication such as acetaminophen to relieve discomfort associated with ascites." Acetaminophen is hepatotoxic and should be avoided in clients with liver disease.

B. "Avoid high-sodium foods such as canned soups/vegetables, processed meats, and prepackaged foods." Sodium restriction helps prevent fluid retention and ascites in clients with cirrhosis. Processed and canned foods are high in sodium and should be avoided.

C. "Ensure that you eat three large meals per day to keep your calories up." Clients with cirrhosis should eat small, frequent meals to avoid hypoglycemia and excessive strain on the liver.

D. "Increase your activity as much as possible. You need to remain active." While moderate activity is encouraged, clients with cirrhosis often have fatigue and muscle wasting. Overexertion can worsen their condition.

A. Explain the possible surgical procedures available to treat this disorder: Clients with IBD, particularly ulcerative colitis, may require surgical interventions such as colectomy or ileostomy if medical management fails. Providing information about surgical options helps clients make informed decisions.

B. Discuss coping skills to assist with adaptation to required lifestyle modifications: IBD significantly affects daily life, including dietary changes, medication adherence, and emotional well-being. Teaching coping strategies helps clients manage stress and improve quality of life.

C. Educate on possible medication side effects and when to notify the healthcare provider: Medications for IBD (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologics) have side effects such as increased infection risk, osteoporosis, and GI disturbances. Patients should be informed about when to seek medical attention.

D. Provide information on decreasing protein intake to reduce ammonia levels: This advice is more relevant to liver disease, such as cirrhosis, where protein restriction can help manage hepatic encephalopathy. In IBD, adequate protein intake is needed to prevent malnutrition.

E. Discuss the risks of fluid volume overload and methods to restrict fluid intake: Clients with IBD are at risk for dehydration due to diarrhea and malabsorption. Increasing fluid intake, rather than restricting it, is often necessary.