Which dietary choice should a nurse recommend to promote healthy bowel elimination?

The recommendation of the grape and walnut chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat bread is particularly beneficial for promoting healthy bowel elimination due to its combination of whole grains, fruits, and nuts. Whole wheat bread is a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for healthy bowel movements. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, helps maintain consistency, and encourages peristalsis— the wave-like muscle contractions in the intestines that facilitate the movement of food through the digestive tract.

The inclusion of grapes also provides additional fiber as well as hydration, while walnuts add healthy fats and further fiber content. This combination of components works together to help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.

In contrast, the other choices do not offer the same level of fiber or a combination of ingredients that aid significantly in digestion. For instance, broccoli and cheese soup with potato bread may be lower in fiber due to the creamy texture and reliance on starchy components. Turkey and mashed potatoes with brown gravy may lack sufficient fiber, as mashed potatoes can notably be less fibrous compared to whole grains. Finally, while the dinner salad topped with hard-boiled eggs and cheese offers some nutrients, it may not contain enough fiber on its own to support bowel health effectively, particularly if the salad base lacks high-f