Providing additional free water flushes for patients with abdominal distention may help by:

• A. Worsening distention
• B. Having no effect
• C. Aiding to decrease distention
• D. Worsening dehydration

Answer: (C)

Providing additional free water flushes helps keep the GI tract hydrated, which supports normal gut movement. When the intestines are well-hydrated, stool stays softer and peristalsis improves, helping to move gas and stool along more easily. This can reduce the buildup that leads to abdominal distention, making it less pronounced. It also helps prevent dehydration, which can worsen GI motility and distention if fluid intake is inadequate. So, the flushes can contribute to a decrease in distention.