A nurse is caring for a client who is Hindu and adheres strictly to the traditional dietary laws of this religion. The client has no other dietary restrictions. Which of the following foods should the nurse select as a component of the client’s meals?

A. “Use sugar-free gum if you experience a metallic taste in your mouth.”

This is the appropriate choice. Chemotherapy can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, and using sugar-free gum or candies can help alleviate this taste disturbance.

B. “Drink fluids at mealtime to prevent early satiety.”

This statement is not advisable. Drinking fluids at mealtime may lead to early satiety, making it challenging for the client to consume adequate nutrition. It is generally recommended to drink fluids between meals.

C. “Foods that are higher in fat can help nausea.”

This statement is not accurate. High-fat foods may exacerbate nausea for some individuals undergoing chemotherapy. The focus during periods of nausea is often on easily digestible, low-fat, and bland foods.

D. “Raw fruits and vegetables will be easier for your body to digest.”

This statement is not accurate. Raw fruits and vegetables may be harder to digest, and during chemotherapy, the digestive system can be sensitive. It is generally recommended to choose cooked or processed fruits and vegetables for easier digestion.

A. Instruct the client to tilt her head back when she swallows.

Tipping the head back during swallowing is not recommended, especially for individuals with dysphagia. It can increase the risk of aspiration, as it may interfere with the normal swallowing mechanism. The head should be kept in a neutral position during swallowing.

B. Place food on the left side of the client’s mouth.

Placing food on the side with weakness may lead to difficulty in chewing and increased risk of aspiration. The placement of food should be based on the individual's ability and preference, and it's important to consider the safety of swallowing.

C. Add thickener to fluids.

This is the correct choice. Adding thickener to fluids can help modify their consistency, making them easier to swallow and reducing the risk of aspiration. The appropriate thickness should be determined based on the individual's ability to swallow safely.

D. Serve food at room temperature.

While serving food at room temperature may be a preference for some individuals, it is not specifically addressing the safety concerns related to dysphagia and left-sided weakness. The focus should be on modifying food textures and consistencies to ensure safe swallowing.