Why was bowel rest implemented in Jessica's management?

• A. To increase stool production
• B. To allow bowel rest while providing nutrition via TPN
• C. To accelerate healing with antibiotics
• D. To reduce central venous catheter risk

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that bowel rest aims to give the gut a break from digestion and intestinal activity while still meeting the body’s nutritional needs through an alternative route. When the bowel is inflamed or undergoing a flare, reducing peristalsis, secretions, and fecal stream helps minimize irritation and allows the mucosa to heal. Providing nutrition via total parenteral nutrition (TPN) means the gut isn’t required to digest food, which supports healing and prevents malnutrition without stressing the inflamed bowel.

So, this approach is best because it separates nourishment from the gut’s workload, enabling recovery of the intestinal lining. It’s not about increasing stool production or using antibiotics to speed healing, and it isn’t about reducing risk associated with a central line—TPN inherently involves a central venous catheter and carries its own infection risks.