A nurse is caring for a client who is obese. The client is crying and states, "Everyone is staring at me because of my weight." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Rationale:

A. Discuss the client's food preferences with the hospital's dietitian: Collaborating with the dietitian allows the meal plan to be adjusted based on the client’s cultural, religious, or taste preferences while still meeting dietary requirements. This promotes adherence to the prescribed diet and supports patient-centered care.

B. Allow the client’s family to bring food from home for the client: While family support is valuable, food brought from home may not comply with the ADA diet. This can compromise glucose control unless the food is reviewed and approved by a dietitian.

C. Offer the client’s meals on a different schedule: Changing the meal schedule may not address the client’s refusal to eat if the issue is related to food content rather than timing. Consistency in meal timing is also important in managing blood glucose levels.

D. Request the provider change the client’s prescribed diet: Altering the diet order without first exploring and addressing the client’s preferences or challenges may lead to poor glucose control. The nurse should advocate for personalized modifications rather than a blanket diet change.

Rationale:

A. "My home has running water and electricity": Access to utilities like water and electricity supports hygiene and food safety. This statement does not indicate a health risk and instead suggests a stable living environment.

B. “I wear a hat and long sleeves while I am working”: Wearing protective clothing helps reduce exposure to the sun, pesticides, and other environmental hazards, thereby promoting health and safety during outdoor labor.

C. “I am currently sharing my home with two roommates”: Sharing housing is common among migrant or seasonal workers. While crowding can pose a potential health risk, this specific scenario doesn’t indicate excessive crowding or direct danger.

D. “I eat vegetables directly from the field where I work”: Consuming unwashed produce from the field poses a significant risk for pesticide exposure and ingestion of harmful microbes. This practice is unsafe and could lead to acute or chronic health issues.