Mrs. A complains to the clinic nurse that many times when she eats a large meal she develops abdominal cramps, bloating, and diarrhea within one hour. The nurse suspects she may have dumping syndrome and suggests that she:

Question

1. Eat a diet high in simple carbohydrates to delay gastric emptying. 2. Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day rather than several large meals. 3. Increase activity following a meal. 4. Drink extra fluids with meals.

Answer 1

2
Rationale: Foods high in simple sugars promote rather than delay rapid gastric emptying. Eating small meals and snacks throughout the day promotes slower gastric emptying allowing foods to be more efficiently absorbed in the intestines. Rest and staying in a recumbent position has been shown to slow peristalsis. Fluid should be taken between rather than with meals.