A nurse is preparing a community health program for adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Which of the following should the nurse include as a modifiable risk factor?

Choice A reason: Decreased fat in stools

Pancrelipase is a combination of digestive enzymes, including lipase, protease, and amylase, which help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. One of the primary benefits of pancrelipase is its ability to improve fat digestion and absorption. Clients with pancreatic insufficiency often experience steatorrhea, which is the presence of excess fat in stools, making them bulky, greasy, and foul-smelling. By aiding in the digestion of fats, pancrelipase reduces the fat content in stools, leading to more normal bowel movements.

Choice B reason: Decreased watery stools

While pancrelipase can improve overall digestion, it is not specifically known for decreasing watery stools. Watery stools can result from various conditions, including infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders. Pancrelipase primarily targets the digestion of macronutrients and may not directly affect the consistency of stools unless the watery stools are due to malabsorption of fats.

Choice C reason: Decreased mucus in stools

Mucus in stools can be a sign of inflammation or irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, often associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or infections. Pancrelipase does not specifically target mucus production in the intestines. Its primary function is to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, rather than addressing mucus-related issues.

Choice D reason: Decreased black tarry stools

Black tarry stools, also known as melena, are typically a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly from the upper GI tract. This condition requires immediate medical attention and is not related to the use of pancrelipase. Pancrelipase is not indicated for treating or preventing gastrointestinal bleeding and would not affect the presence of black tarry stools.

Choice A reason:

Restricting the client’s oral fluid intake is not appropriate in this situation. Adequate fluid intake is essential to help flush out the bladder and prevent clot formation. Clients are usually encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to ensure proper hydration and urine flow.

Choice B reason:

Reminding the client that he might feel a constant urge to void is important. After a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), the presence of the catheter and continuous bladder irrigation can cause a sensation of needing to urinate. This is a common experience and reassuring the client helps manage their expectations and reduce anxiety.

Choice C reason:

Weighing the client every evening is not a standard intervention specifically related to TURP and continuous bladder irrigation. While monitoring weight can be important for overall health, it is not directly related to the immediate postoperative care of a TURP patient.

Choice D reason:

Monitoring the client’s urine output every 6 hours is important, but it should be done more frequently in the immediate postoperative period. Continuous bladder irrigation requires close monitoring to ensure that the irrigation fluid is flowing properly and that there are no blockages or complications.