Which medical procedure may put a client at risk for impaired nutrition and hydration?

Surgery can put a client at risk for impaired nutrition and hydration due to several factors associated with the surgical process. After surgery, patients often experience changes in their ability to eat and drink, which can result from pain, nausea, or anesthesia effects. The recovery period may require a modified diet, and in some cases, patients may be instructed to avoid food or liquids for a certain period to allow their bodies to heal. Additionally, surgical procedures can impact the digestive system directly by altering the stomach or intestines, which can further complicate nutrition and hydration efforts. These considerations highlight why surgery is particularly concerning in terms of maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration for a patient.

In contrast, physical therapy primarily focuses on rehabilitation and mobility, which typically does not impact nutritional intake directly. Routine check-ups are preventive measures that assess overall health and do not usually impose any restrictions on food or fluid intake. Vaccinations are important for preventive health but also do not generally affect a person's ability to consume food or liquids.