A nurse is caring for a client who has a nasogastric tube and is receiving a continuous tube feeding with a high-protein formula. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the tubing from clogging?

Choice A reason: Thawing frozen meat on the counter is not a good practice for food poisoning prevention because it can allow bacteria to grow rapidly on the surface of the meat. Thawing frozen meat should be done in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.

Choice B reason: Reusing leftover marinade as sauce is not a good practice for food poisoning prevention because it can contaminate cooked food with raw meat juices that may contain bacteria. Leftover marinade should be discarded or boiled for at least one minute before using as sauce.

Choice C reason: Apple pie is a good choice for food poisoning prevention because it is unlikely to contain harmful bacteria or toxins. Apple pie is made from cooked apples, sugar, flour, and butter, which are low-risk ingredients for food poisoning. Apple pie should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer after cooling to prevent spoilage.

Choice D reason: Cooked rice is not a good choice for food poisoning prevention because it can harbor a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which can produce toxins that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Cooked rice should be cooled quickly and stored in the refrigerator for no more than one day or in the freezer for longer periods. Cooked rice should be reheated thoroughly before eating.

Choice A reason: Consuming ten percent of total calories from saturated fat is not a part of the DASH diet because it is too high for most adults. The DASH diet recommends consuming less than seven percent of total calories from saturated fat, which translates to about 16 g of saturated fat per day for an average adult who consumes 2,000 calories per day.

Choice B reason: Consuming foods that are high in calcium is a part of the DASH diet because it can help lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the force of contraction of the heart. The DASH diet recommends consuming 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium per day, which can be obtained from dairy products, leafy greens, beans, nuts, and fortified foods.

Choice C reason: Increasing intake of refined carbohydrates is not a part of the DASH diet because it can raise blood sugar and insulin levels, which can increase blood pressure and damage the blood vessels. The DASH diet recommends consuming 45 to 55 percent of total calories from carbohydrates, but mostly from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are rich in fiber and antioxidants.

Choice D reason: Limiting sodium intake to 3,200 milligrams per day is not a part of the DASH diet because it is too high for most adults. The DASH diet recommends limiting sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams per day or less, which can help lower blood pressure by reducing fluid retention and vascular resistance.