A client who has cancer of the sigmoid colon is to have an abdominoperineal resection with a permanent colostomy. Before surgery a low-residue diet is prescribed. What is the nurse's explanation for the necessity of this diet?
a. Limit production of flatus in the intestine
b. Prevent irritation of the intestinal mucosa
c. Reduce the amount of stool in the large bowel
d. Lower the bacterial count in the gastrointestinal tract