Answer to Question 1
ANS: 4
Unless there is a medical contraindication, an adult needs to drink six to eight glasses (1500 to 2000 mL) of noncaffeinated fluid daily. An increase in fluid intake with the use of fruit juices softens stool and increases peristalsis. Poor fluid intake increases the risk for constipation because of reabsorption of fluid in the colon, resulting in hard, dry stools. Although some of the options are food related, they are not as direct; a laxative is not a dietary change.
Answer to Question 2
ANS: 4
When there is no fiber to transport waste matter through the colon, it increases the risk for polyps. Although the other options are not incorrect, they do not address the most important bar-rier to good bowel health.