A nurse is assisting in the selection of food for a client who has hyperkalemia. Which of the following foods should the nurse avoid selecting as it contains the greatest amount of potassium?

Choice A reason: Skim milk is not an appropriate snack choice for a 9-month-old infant. Infants under 12 months of age should not consume cow's milk, as it can cause iron deficiency, gastrointestinal bleeding, and allergic reactions. Infants should be breastfed or formula-fed until they are 12 months old.

Choice B reason: Unsalted popcorn is not an appropriate snack choice for a 9-month-old infant. Popcorn is a choking hazard for infants, as it can easily get stuck in their throat or lungs. Infants should not be given any hard, round, or sticky foods that can cause choking.

Choice C reason: Raw carrots are not an appropriate snack choice for a 9-month-old infant. Raw carrots are also a choking hazard for infants, as they are hard and difficult to chew and swallow. Infants should be given soft, cooked, or pureed vegetables that can be easily mashed with their gums.

Choice D reason: Graham crackers are an appropriate snack choice for a 9-month-old infant. Graham crackers are soft, easy to chew and swallow, and provide carbohydrates and energy. They can also help infants practice their self-feeding skills and finger coordination.

Choice A reason: Checking gastric residuals every 8 hr is not frequent enough, as it can miss signs of delayed gastric emptying, which can cause aspiration, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal distension. Gastric residuals should be checked every 4 hr.

Choice B reason: Returning gastric contents if residual is less than 250 mL is not advisable, as it can increase the risk of infection, contamination, or electrolyte imbalance. Gastric contents should be discarded if residual is more than 100 mL.

Choice C reason: Measuring the pH of gastric residual every 24 hr is not necessary, as it does not reflect the effectiveness or tolerance of the feeding. The pH of gastric residual should be checked before each feeding or every 6 to 8 hr to confirm tube placement and prevent misconnection.

Choice D reason: Flushing the tube with 15 mL of water every 4 hr is a correct action, as it can prevent clogging, maintain patency, and clear the tube of formula residue. Water should also be used to flush the tube before and after each medication administration.