A client has a serum sodium level of 155 mEq/L (155 mmol/L). The nurse should encourage the client to make which selection from the lunch menu? Reference Range
Sodium [Reference Range: Adult 136 to 145 mEq/L or 136 to 145 mmol/L]
Canned cream of mushroom soup, tuna salad, and water.
Bacon. lettuce, and tomato sandwich, grapes, and skim milk.
Taco salad, refried beans, low fat ice cream and coffee.
Chicken salad on toast, fruit-flavoured yogurt, and iced tea.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A
Canned cream of mushroom soup, tuna salad, and water is inappropriate. Canned soups and processed foods like canned cream soups can be high in sodium. Tuna salad might also have added salt.
Choice B
B. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, grapes, and skim milk is the appropriate selection. A serum sodium level of 155 mEq/L (155 mmol/L) is higher than the normal reference range (136 to 145 mEq/L or 136 to 145 mmol/L), indicating hypernatremia or high blood sodium levels. In this case, it's important for the client to choose foods that are lower in sodium to help manage their sodium intake.
Choice C
Taco salad, refried beans, low-fat ice cream, and coffee is inappropriate. Taco salad can contain salty ingredients, and refried beans can also be high in sodium. Processed meats and sauces used in tacos can contribute to sodium intake.
Choice D
Chicken salad on toast, fruit-flavoured yogurt, and iced tea is inappropriate. Chicken salad and some breads might contain added salt. Fruit-flavoured yogurts can also have added sugars, and iced tea can vary in sodium content depending on how it's prepared.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A
Cutting the spaghetti and meatballs into small pieces is inappropriate. This choice is not directly related to the risk of infection. It might be helpful for a client who has difficulty swallowing or chewing, but it doesn't address the compromised immune system and infection risk.
Choice B
Exchanging pasteurized whole milk with skim milk is inappropriate. The type of milk doesn't have a direct impact on infection risk. Both pasteurized whole milk and skim milk are considered safe for consumption. This choice doesn't address the specific concern of infection in a client with a low ANC.
Choice C
Substituting fried potatoes with a garden salad is inappropriate. While choosing healthier food options can be beneficial for overall health, the choice between fried potatoes and a garden salad doesn't necessarily impact the infection risk for a client with a low ANC. This choice also doesn't address the specific concern of infection in this context.
Choice D
Remove the fresh grapes from the meal tray is appropriate. The reason for this choice is that a client with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 400 has a significantly compromised immune system, and they are at a high risk of infection due to their low neutrophil count. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in fighting off infections. A normal ANC falls within the range of 2500 to 8000 mm3 or cells/uL.
Fresh grapes, being a raw and uncooked food item, may carry a higher risk of containing bacteria or pathogens that could pose a threat to a client with such a low ANC. The nurse needs to ensure that the client's exposure to potential sources of infection is minimized.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A
Body mass index (BMI) of 17 is the correct finding. A low Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common indicator of malnutrition. BMI is a measurement that considers a person's weight in relation to their height. A BMI of 17 suggests that the person is underweight, which can be indicative of malnutrition. Malnutrition is characterized by inadequate intake of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for maintaining health and well-being.
Choice B
Decrease in appetite is not correct finding. While a decrease in appetite might contribute to malnutrition, it's a symptom rather than a definitive indicator.
Choice C
Dry mucosal membranes are not the correct finding. Dry mucosal membranes can be related to dehydration or other conditions, but they are not specific enough to confirm malnutrition on their own.
Choice D
Weight of 227 pounds (103 kg) is not the correct finding. This weight is not necessarily indicative of malnutrition on its own. It's important to consider the individual's height, BMI, and other factors when assessing malnutrition.

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