Which of the following is a recommended patient education tip to reduce the incidence of food blockage?

• A. Eat large portions at once
• B. Thoroughly chew food
• C. Avoid fibrous foods entirely
• D. Skip fluids with meals

Answer: (B)

Thoroughly chewing food is the best tip because it reduces particle size before it reaches the stoma, making passage easier and lowering the chance of a blockage. After ostomy surgery, there’s less natural breakdown of food, so large chunks can block the stoma or the intestine when they soften with moisture. By chewing until soft and small, you help food flow through the stoma and appliance more smoothly, which lowers obstruction risk. This approach also complements other safe practices like eating smaller portions and staying hydrated, rather than avoiding entire food groups. Large portions, skipping fluids with meals, or avoiding fibrous foods entirely would increase blockage risk or unnecessarily limit the diet.