A nurse is caring for a client who is malnourished. The client states, "When I do eat, I usually just eat bread and butter to get something in me." The nurse should recognize that the client is at risk for which of the following complications?

The correct answer is: b. Offer the client frozen bananas as a snack.

Choice A: Discourage the use of a straw

Discouraging the use of a straw is not the best intervention for a client with stomatitis following radiation therapy. While using a straw might cause some discomfort, it is not a primary concern. The focus should be on providing soothing and non-irritating foods.

Choice B: Offer the client frozen bananas as a snack

Offering the client frozen bananas as a snack is an appropriate intervention. Frozen bananas can provide a soothing effect on the inflamed oral tissues and are less likely to cause irritation compared to other foods. They are also nutritious and easy to consume, making them a suitable option for clients with stomatitis.

Choice C: Serve the client hot meals

Serving hot meals is not recommended for clients with stomatitis. Hot foods can exacerbate the discomfort and irritation in the mouth, making it more painful for the client to eat. It is better to serve foods at a moderate or cool temperature to avoid further irritation.

Choice D: Avoid serving sauces or gravies

Avoiding sauces or gravies is not the best intervention for a client with stomatitis. While some sauces or gravies might be irritating, others can be soothing and help make the food easier to swallow. The key is to choose mild and non-spicy options that do not irritate the oral tissues.

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.