A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy treatments. The client states, "I feel so nauseated after my treatments." Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide the client? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Increasing the caloric intake before pregnancy is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can lead to excessive weight gain and obesity, which can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other complications. The nurse should advise the client to maintain a healthy weight and a balanced diet before and during pregnancy.

Choice B reason: Increasing the total intake of seafood to 20 ounces per week is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can expose the client to high levels of mercury, which can harm the developing fetus. The nurse should advise the client to limit the intake of seafood to 8 to 12 ounces per week, and avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.

Choice C reason: Decreasing ascorbic acid in the diet is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can impair the immune system and the absorption of iron, which are both important for the health of the mother and the fetus. The nurse should advise the client to consume adequate amounts of ascorbic acid, which is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and other foods.

Choice D reason: Increasing folic acid to 400 micrograms per day prior to getting pregnant is an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, in the fetus. The nurse should advise the client to take a daily prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid, and eat foods that are rich in folate, such as leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals.

Choice B reason: Providing low-fat carbohydrates with meals can help reduce nausea and vomiting in clients who have equilibrium imbalance. Low-fat carbohydrates are easy to digest and can provide energy and prevent hypoglycemia. Examples of low-fat carbohydrates are crackers, toast, rice, and noodles.

Choice A reason: Serving hot foods at mealtime is not a good strategy for clients who have nausea from equilibrium imbalance. Hot foods can have strong odors and flavors that can trigger nausea and vomiting. Cold or room-temperature foods are more tolerable and less stimulating for the senses.

Choice C reason: Encouraging the client to eat even if nauseated is not a helpful strategy for clients who have nausea from equilibrium imbalance. Forcing the client to eat can worsen nausea and vomiting and cause discomfort and distress. The nurse should respect the client's preferences and appetite and offer small, frequent meals and snacks.

Choice D reason: Limiting fluid intake between meals is not a necessary strategy for clients who have nausea from equilibrium imbalance. Fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can occur due to vomiting. The nurse should encourage the client to drink fluids between meals, but avoid drinking fluids with meals, as this can cause bloating and fullness.