A nurse is caring for a young adult client who is discontinuing birth control pills and wishes to start a family. Which of the following statements by the nurse is an appropriate dietary guideline?
Increase your caloric intake before pregnancy to stabilize your metabolism.
Increase your total intake of seafood to 20 ounces per week.
Decrease ascorbic acid in your diet.
Increase folic acid to 400 micrograms per day prior to getting pregnant.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Offering the client a selection of beverages at each meal is not a good action to include in the plan, as it may reduce the client's appetite and intake of solid foods. The nurse should limit the client's fluid intake before and during meals, and encourage the client to consume high-calorie and high-protein drinks, such as milkshakes or smoothies, after meals.
Choice B reason: Informing the client that a weight gain of 2.3 kg (5 lb) per week is expected is not a good action to include in the plan, as it may cause anxiety and resistance in the client. The nurse should set realistic and individualized weight goals for the client, and monitor the client's weight and vital signs regularly. The nurse should also avoid focusing on the client's weight, and instead emphasize the client's health and well-being.
Choice C reason: Arranging for someone to remain with the client for 30 min after meals is a good action to include in the plan, as it can prevent the client from purging or exercising excessively. The nurse should provide a supportive and nonjudgmental environment for the client, and supervise the client's eating and toileting behaviors. The nurse should also educate the client and the family about the complications and treatment of anorexia nervosa.
Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to participate in developing dietary goals is a good action to include in the plan, as it can increase the client's sense of control and motivation. The nurse should collaborate with the client, the dietitian, and the mental health team to create a personalized and flexible meal plan that meets the client's nutritional and psychological needs. The nurse should also praise the client for any progress or achievement, and reinforce the client's positive coping skills.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased fat intake is not a barrier to wound healing, as long as the client meets the recommended daily intake of essential fatty acids. Fat is important for cell membrane integrity, inflammation, and immune function. However, excessive fat intake can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which can impair wound healing.
Choice B reason: Decreased vitamin C intake is a barrier to wound healing, as vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, wound repair, and antioxidant activity. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to impaired wound healing, increased susceptibility to infection, and scurvy. The nurse should encourage the client to consume foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.
Choice C reason: Increased protein intake is not a barrier to wound healing, but rather a facilitator of wound healing, as protein is necessary for tissue growth, repair, and maintenance. Protein deficiency can result in delayed wound healing, increased risk of infection, and loss of lean body mass. The nurse should advise the client to consume adequate amounts of high-quality protein, such as eggs, milk, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, soy, and nuts.
Choice D reason: Increased caloric intake is not a barrier to wound healing, but rather a facilitator of wound healing, as calories provide energy for wound healing processes. Caloric deficiency can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and impaired wound healing. The nurse should ensure that the client meets their caloric needs based on their age, weight, activity level, and wound severity.
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