In addition to normal saline for hyponatremia and dehydration due to gastroenteritis, which diet should the nurse anticipate?

• A. High-fat dairy
• B. Spicy foods
• C. BRAT diet
• D. Full liquid diet

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to start a bland, easily digestible solid-food plan after rehydration. After treating dehydration and hyponatremia with normal saline, the gut needs to rest and be reintroduced to foods without provoking further irritation. The BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—fits this goal. These items are bland, low in fat and fiber, and easy to digest, which helps reduce stool frequency and abdominal stress while providing quick calories and some potassium from bananas. The simplicity of these foods supports healing of the GI tract and smooth reintroduction of regular meals.

Spicy foods and high-fat dairy can irritate and worsen diarrhea, so they’re not ideal during recovery from gastroenteritis. A full liquid diet isn’t typically necessary once vomiting has ceased and hydration is addressed, and it may not supply enough calories or nutrients for recovery.