A client expresses an interest in reducing intake of saturated fats and plans to stop eating hamburgers at lunch. Which menu item should the nurse suggest as an alternative source of protein?

Choice A

Describing the value of eating smaller portion sizes is not appropriate. While portion control is important, this advice alone might not address the overall dietary quality and exercise component necessary for effective weight loss.

Choice B

Encouraging a well-balanced diet and moderate exercise is appropriate. This intervention focuses on promoting healthy and sustainable weight loss. A well-balanced diet helps ensure that the client is getting all the necessary nutrients while aiming for a calorie deficit for weight loss. Moderate exercise complements dietary changes and contributes to overall health and weight management.

Choice C

Exploring the reasons, the client wants to lose weight is inappropriate. While understanding the client's motivations is valuable, this doesn't directly provide guidance on how to achieve the goal of losing 10 pounds.

Choice D

Determining if the client has a history of anorexia is inappropriate. While assessing for eating disorders is important in general, assuming there's no indication of anorexia, the focus should be on providing guidance for safe and effective weight loss.

Choice A

Serum HDL (high-density lipoprotein) of 35 mg/dL (0.91 mmol/L). Among the options provided, a serum HDL level of 35 mg/dL (0.91 mmol/L) is the assessment data that indicates the need for referral to a nutritionist. HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this case, the HDL level of 35 mg/dL is below the recommended reference range for females (greater than 55 mg/dL or greater than 0.91 mmol/L), which could suggest a potential need for dietary and lifestyle interventions to improve cardiovascular health.

Choice B

Serum HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) of 4.8% (0.05) is incorrect. This HbA1c level is within the normal reference range (4% to 5.9%) and indicates good blood sugar control.

Choice C

BMI (body mass index) of 22 kg/m² is incorrect. A BMI of 22 is within the normal weight range and might not necessarily indicate the need for a nutritionist referral.

Choice D

Total serum calcium of 10 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L) is incorrect. This calcium level is within the normal reference range and might not require a nutritionist referral, unless there are other specific concerns related to calcium intake.