Fluid and electrolyte balance is maintained through the process of fluid and solutes moving in and out of cells. What specific process allows fluid to pass through a membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated area?

Choice A reason: Calling the doctor for more antiemetic medication is not the best intervention for the nurse to facilitate. Antiemetics are drugs that prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting, but they may have side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or constipation. The nurse should first try non-pharmacological measures to relieve the patient's nausea, such as giving small sips of water, providing a cool and quiet environment, or using aromatherapy.

Choice B reason: Giving the patient small sips of tepid water is the best intervention for the nurse to facilitate. Water can help hydrate the patient and dilute any stomach acid that may cause irritation. Tepid water is water that is slightly warm, which can be more soothing than cold or hot water. Small sips can prevent the patient from swallowing too much air, which can worsen nausea and vomiting.

Choice C reason: Helping the patient lay supine is not a good intervention for the nurse to facilitate. Supine means lying flat on the back, which can increase the risk of aspiration, or inhaling food or fluids into the lungs. Aspiration can cause pneumonia, a serious lung infection. The nurse should help the patient lay on their side, with their head elevated, to prevent aspiration and reduce pressure on the stomach.

Choice D reason: Showing the patient how to use the patient-controlled analgesia is not a relevant intervention for the nurse to facilitate. Patient-controlled analgesia is a system that allows the patient to self-administer pain medication through an IV pump. It has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting, and may even cause them as side effects. The nurse should monitor the patient's pain level and adjust the analgesia settings as needed, but not as a way to treat nausea.

Choice A reason: Drinking a minimum of 12 ounces of fluid with each meal is not recommended for a client who has dumping syndrome. Fluids can increase the gastric volume and accelerate the gastric emptying, leading to more severe symptoms. The nurse should advise the client to drink fluids between meals, not with meals.

Choice B reason: Choosing foods that are high in simple carbohydrates is not recommended for a client who has dumping syndrome. Simple carbohydrates can cause a rapid rise and fall of blood glucose levels, resulting in hypoglycemia and weakness. The nurse should advise the client to choose foods that are high in protein and fat, and low in sugar.

Choice C reason: Staying upright when eating and for 30 minutes afterward is not recommended for a client who has dumping syndrome. This position can facilitate the gastric emptying and worsen the symptoms. The nurse should advise the client to lie down after eating to slow down the gastric emptying.

Choice D reason: Eating several small meals daily spaced at equal intervals is recommended for a client who has dumping syndrome. This can help reduce the gastric volume and pressure, and prevent the rapid delivery of food into the small intestine. The nurse should advise the client to eat four to six small meals per day, and avoid skipping meals.