A nurse in a provider’s office is collecting data from a client who has hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Roast chicken with white rice is a low-fiber, easy-to-digest meal that is suitable for a client who has recovered from the acute phase of diverticulitis. A low-fiber diet can help reduce the stress on the colon and allow it to heal. White rice is a refined grain that has less fiber than whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa12.

Choice B reason: A poached egg with sliced tomatoes is not a good choice for a client who has recovered from the acute phase of diverticulitis. Although eggs are a good source of protein and do not contain fiber, tomatoes are high in fiber and may irritate the colon. Tomatoes also have seeds, which were previously thought to cause problems for people with diverticular disease, but there is no evidence to support this. However, some people may still find them uncomfortable to eat13.

Choice C reason: Bean soup with steamed broccoli is not a good choice for a client who has recovered from the acute phase of diverticulitis. Beans and broccoli are both high in fiber and may cause gas, bloating, and cramping in the colon. A high-fiber diet is recommended for people with diverticulosis (the presence of pouches without inflammation) to prevent constipation and diverticulitis, but it should be avoided during or shortly after an episode of diverticulitis12.

Choice D reason: Ham sandwich on white bread is not a good choice for a client who has recovered from the acute phase of diverticulitis. Although white bread is low in fiber, ham is a processed meat that may increase the risk of developing diverticular disease. Research suggests that a diet high in red meat and processed meat may contribute to inflammation and infection of the pouches in the colon.

Choice A reason: Documenting the color, consistency, and amount of nasogastric drainage is an important action for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This can help monitor the client’s GI function, fluid balance, and response to treatment. The normal color of nasogastric drainage is clear or yellow-green. Abnormal colors include red, brown, or black, which may indicate bleeding.

Choice B reason: Encouraging hourly use of an incentive spirometer while awake is an important action for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This can help prevent respiratory complications, such as atelectasis and pneumonia, which are common after abdominal surgery. An incentive spirometer is a device that helps the client breathe deeply and expand the lungs.

Choice C reason: Irrigating the nasogastric tube every 4 to 8 hr is not an action that the nurse should include in the client’s plan of care. Routine irrigation of nasogastric tubes is not recommended, as it may increase the risk of infection, tube occlusion, or aspiration. Irrigation should only be done when indicated by specific orders or protocols, or when there is evidence of tube blockage.

Choice D reason: Performing leg exercises every 2 hr is an important action for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This can help prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is a serious complication that can occur after surgery due to immobility and hypercoagulability. Leg exercises can improve blood circulation and reduce stasis in the lower extremities.