The nurse advises the patient who has just been diagnosed with acute gastritis to:

• A. Increase intake of caffeinated beverages to aid digestion.
• B. Begin a high-protein diet immediately.
• C. Engage in vigorous exercise to speed up recovery.
• D. Avoid spicy foods and alcohol to reduce gastric irritation.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the condition: Acute gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused or worsened by irritants such as spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and stress.
2. Identify harmful factors: Recognize that caffeinated beverages and alcohol can increase stomach acid production and irritate the gastric mucosa, worsening symptoms.
3. Evaluate dietary recommendations: A high-protein diet is not immediately necessary and may not directly aid in reducing inflammation; instead, a bland diet is often recommended.
4. Consider physical activity advice: Vigorous exercise can increase stress and acid production, potentially aggravating gastritis rather than aiding recovery.
5. Conclude the best advice: Avoiding spicy foods and alcohol helps reduce gastric irritation and promotes healing of the stomach lining, which is the correct management step for acute gastritis.