To minimize the risk of dumping syndrome, what dietary suggestion should the nurse give?

To minimize the risk of dumping syndrome, maintaining a low Fowler's position while eating is beneficial because it helps slow down gastric emptying. This positioning reduces the likelihood of rapid movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine, which is a key factor that contributes to dumping syndrome. By keeping the upper body lower, the angle of digestion is altered, promoting a more steady and controlled emptying process.

In contrast, a high-carbohydrate diet can often exacerbate dumping syndrome as carbohydrates are digested quickly, increasing the risk for rapid gastric emptying. Increasing fluid intake at mealtime can also worsen symptoms, as it may allow larger amounts of food to enter the intestines more rapidly. Lastly, while ambulation may be beneficial for digestive health overall, doing so immediately after a meal does not specifically address the concerns related to the speed of gastric emptying, which is the primary aspect of dumping syndrome.