A nurse is assessing a client who has a wound that is not healing. Which of the following dietary supplements should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: Peas are not a good choice for a mechanical soft diet, as they are small and round and can pose a choking hazard. Peas also require some chewing to break them down, which may be difficult for the client.

Choice B reason: Dried apricots are not a good choice for a mechanical soft diet, as they are hard and sticky and can damage the teeth or dentures. Dried apricots also require a lot of chewing to swallow them, which may be painful or tiring for the client.

Choice C reason: Canned pears are a good choice for a mechanical soft diet, as they are soft and moist and can be easily mashed with a fork. Canned pears do not require much chewing and can be swallowed smoothly.

Choice D reason: Cashews are not a good choice for a mechanical soft diet, as they are hard and crunchy and can injure the gums or oral mucosa. Cashews also require a lot of chewing and can get stuck in the teeth or dentures.

Choice A reason: Increased glucose levels are not a positive outcome of the client's interventions, but rather a sign of impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The Mediterranean diet can help lower glucose levels by providing complex carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats, which can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.

Choice B reason: Increased HDL levels are a positive outcome of the client's interventions, as HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein, which is the "good" cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries and protect against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The Mediterranean diet can help increase HDL levels by providing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish, which can boost HDL production and function.

Choice C reason: Increased LDL levels are not a positive outcome of the client's interventions, but rather a sign of increased cholesterol deposition and inflammation in the arteries, which can lead to plaque formation and cardiovascular disease. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, which is the "bad" cholesterol that carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells. The Mediterranean diet can help lower LDL levels by providing antioxidants, fiber, and plant sterols, which can reduce LDL synthesis and oxidation.

Choice D reason: Increased triglyceride levels are not a positive outcome of the client's interventions, but rather a sign of increased fat storage and metabolic syndrome, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in the blood and provides energy to the cells. The Mediterranean diet can help lower triglyceride levels by providing omega-3 fatty acids, which can modulate triglyceride synthesis and breakdown.