Question

A nurse is caring for a client who just had a gastrectomy. what should the nurse emphasize when teaching the client how to avoid dumping syndrome?

Answer 1

The nurse should tell the patient to eat small meals with low carbohydrate and moderate fat content. This is because small meals with low carbohydrate, moderate fat, and high protein are recommended; these are processed more readily and avoid rapid stomach emptying. Rest, not activity, after meals assists in limiting dumping syndrome. Fluid intake with meals should be in moderation. Fluids with meals cause rapid emptying of the food from the stomach into the jejunum before it is sufficiently subjected to the digestive process; the hyperosmolar mixture causes a fluid shift to the jejunum. A high-Fowler position will not reduce the risk of dumping syndrome.