What meal option should a nurse choose for a client with fluid volume excess who has been placed on a low-sodium diet?

A. Diarrhea: Diarrhea typically involves the passage of loose or watery stools, often occurring frequently throughout the day. It is characterized by increased frequency, urgency, and volume of stool output. While diarrhea can cause bloating, it is not usually associated with continuous oozing of small amounts of liquid stool.

B. Flatus: Flatus refers to the passage of gas through the rectum, commonly known as "passing gas" or "flatulence." While flatus can contribute to feelings of bloating or discomfort, it does not involve the continuous oozing of liquid stool.

C. Overflow: Overflow typically occurs in the context of fecal impaction, where liquid stool leaks around a fecal mass that is blocking the rectum. However, overflow is characterized by the intermittent leakage of liquid stool, often preceded by constipation and fecal impaction. Continuous oozing of small amounts of liquid stool is not typically associated with overflow alone.

D. Impaction: Fecal impaction occurs when a large, hardened mass of stool accumulates in the rectum, making it difficult or impossible to pass stool. Continuous oozing of small amounts of liquid stool can occur around the impacted fecal mass, leading to symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and leakage of liquid stool. Therefore, fecal impaction is the most likely condition associated with the client's symptoms.

In summary, option D (Impaction) is the correct answer as it best aligns with the client's symptoms of feeling bloated and experiencing continuous oozing of small amounts of liquid stool in the context of being on bedrest after surgery

A. Baked chicken, canned peas & carrots, macaroni & cheese, and hot tea: This meal option contains canned vegetables, which are likely to be high in sodium due to added salt for preservation. Additionally, macaroni and cheese are typically high in sodium, and hot tea may contain added sodium if processed or prepared with salt. Therefore, this option is not suitable for a client on a low-sodium diet.

B. Pepperoni pizza, salad, and a diet soda: Pepperoni pizza is a high-sodium food due to the processed meats and cheese. Salad can be a healthy option, but it depends on the dressing and toppings; if these are high in sodium, it may not be appropriate. Diet soda typically does not contain sodium, but it is not an ideal beverage choice for a client with fluid volume excess. Overall, this option is not suitable for a low-sodium diet.

C. Baked turkey breast, corn on the cob, dinner roll, and skim milk: This is the correct answer. Baked turkey breast is a lean protein source that is naturally low in sodium. Corn on the cob and skim milk are also low in sodium. A dinner roll may contain some sodium, but if chosen wisely, it can be a suitable option for a low-sodium diet. Overall, this meal option provides a balanced and low-sodium meal for a client with fluid volume excess.

D. Bologna sandwich on whole wheat bread, potato chips, sliced cucumbers, and iced tea: Bologna, potato chips, and iced tea are all high-sodium food items and not suitable for a client on a low-sodium diet. While sliced cucumbers are low in sodium, they alone cannot offset the high sodium content of the other items in this meal option.