A nurse is contributing to the plan of care of a client who has a small bowel obstruction. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

A. Measure abdominal girth daily. Monitoring abdominal girth (often more than once daily if indicated) helps detect increasing distention that suggests worsening obstruction or bowel compromise. B. Provide bulk-forming agent. Bulk-forming laxatives (fiber agents) are contraindicated in mechanical small bowel obstruction because they can worsen obstruction. C. Elevate the head of the bed. Not a primary intervention specific to small bowel obstruction; head elevation may assist breathing but does not treat obstruction and can increase risk of aspiration if vomiting-positioning should be individualized. D. Monitor intake and output every 8 hr. Inadequate frequency. I&O should be monitored more frequently (often hourly or every shift depending on severity) in small bowel obstruction to detect dehydration/electrolyte losses-every 8 hours is insufficient for most obstructed patients.