Which intervention might safely prevent constipation in a client with end-stage ovarian cancer receiving high-dose opioids?

• A. Increasing the Intake of Fiber and Fluids
• B. Limiting Physical Activity
• C. Using Antidiarrheal Medications Proactively
• D. Reducing Fluid Intake

Answer: (A)

Opioid-induced constipation happens because high-dose opioids slow the gut’s movement, leading to harder, drier stools and more difficulty evacuating. A simple, safe way to help prevent this is to increase fiber and fluid intake. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps it move through the colon, while adequate fluids keep the stool softer and easier to pass. In the context of end-stage cancer and high opioids, this nonpharmacologic approach supports comfort and bowel regularity without adding medication side effects.

Limiting physical activity would likely slow intestinal motility further and worsen constipation. Proactively using antidiarrheal medications would not prevent constipation and could make stool passage more difficult. Reducing fluid intake would harden stools and raise constipation risk. So increasing fiber and fluids is the best, safest preventive measure.