A nurse is teaching a client about foods and beverages that can cause diarrhea. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: Hypernatremia is a condition of high sodium levels in the blood. It can cause symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, confusion, agitation, and seizures. It is not likely to cause postural hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions.

Choice B reason: Hyponatremia is a condition of low sodium levels in the blood. It can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, fatigue, and confusion. It can also cause postural hypotension, as sodium helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.

Choice C reason: Hyperkalemia is a condition of high potassium levels in the blood. It can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis, irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. It is not likely to cause postural hypotension, which is more related to fluid and sodium levels.

Choice D reason: Hypokalemia is a condition of low potassium levels in the blood. It can cause symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, constipation, and arrhythmias. It is not likely to cause postural hypotension, which is more related to fluid and sodium levels.

Choice A reason: I try to walk in the hallway each day with assistance is a correct statement. Walking is a form of physical activity that can stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Walking also has other benefits such as improving circulation, muscle strength, and mood. The patient should be encouraged to walk as much as possible with assistance to prevent falls and injuries.

Choice B reason: I need to increase fiber in my diet and drink more water is a correct statement. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by the body and helps to form soft and bulky stools. Fiber can be found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Water is essential for hydration and helps to soften the stools and ease their passage. The patient should be advised to consume at least 25 grams of fiber and 8 glasses of water per day to prevent constipation.

Choice C reason: I take my laxative every morning and an enema every night is an incorrect statement that requires follow-up teaching by the nurse. Laxatives and enemas are medications that are used to treat constipation by stimulating or lubricating the bowel. However, they should not be used routinely or excessively, as they can cause side effects such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or dependence. The patient should be instructed to use laxatives and enemas only as prescribed by the doctor and for a short period of time. The patient should also be informed of the potential risks and complications of overusing laxatives and enemas.

Choice D reason: The pain medication I take tends to make my constipation worse is a correct statement. Pain medications, especially opioids, can slow down the movement of the bowel and cause constipation. This is a common and expected side effect of pain medications. The patient should be educated on how to manage constipation caused by pain medications, such as increasing fiber and water intake, exercising regularly, and using stool softeners or laxatives as needed. The patient should also be reassured that constipation does not mean that the pain medication is not working or that they are addicted to it.