Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

After a gastrectomy, which instruction is appropriate for a patient experiencing dumping syndrome?

1. Eat three meals daily.

2. Avoid fluids for 30 to 45 minutes before and after meals.

3. Decrease protein and fat intake.

4. Avoid concentrated sweets.

The correct answer is: Avoid fluids for 30 to 45 minutes before and after meals.

The appropriate instruction for a patient experiencing dumping syndrome after a gastrectomy is to avoid fluids for 30 to 45 minutes before and after meals. This recommendation is essential because dumping syndrome can occur when food, especially high in carbohydrates, moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. When a patient drinks fluids around mealtimes, it can hasten gastric emptying, leading to worsening symptoms of dumping syndrome, such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and feelings of fullness. By delaying fluid intake, patients may find it easier to manage their symptoms. This approach allows the food to be more adequately processed in the stomach before excessive fluid changes the pressure dynamics in the gastrointestinal tract. In terms of the other options, avoiding concentrated sweets is also a helpful instruction for patients with dumping syndrome, as these can exacerbate symptoms. However, the fluid management strategy is particularly crucial for ensuring that the digestive process functions more smoothly after meals. Eating three meals daily can sometimes lead to larger, more concentrated food intakes that might contribute to symptoms, while decreasing protein and fat intake could compromise nutritional status. Overall, careful management of fluid intake is vital in preventing the complications associated with dumping syndrome.