A nurse is educating the parent of a school-age child about the importance of maintaining water intake to prevent dehydration. Which of the following food choices should the nurse recommend as containing the greatest percentage of water?

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.

Choice B reason: Lentils are a rich source of folate, which is a B vitamin that is essential for the development of the neural tube and the prevention of neural tube defects in the fetus . One cup of cooked lentils provides about 358 micrograms of folate, which is 90% of the recommended daily intake for pregnant women.

Choice A reason: Mashed potatoes are not a good source of folate, as they contain only 8 micrograms of folate per cup, which is 2% of the recommended daily intake for pregnant women. Potatoes are mainly a source of carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C.

Choice C reason: Green peppers are a moderate source of folate, as they contain 42 micrograms of folate per cup, which is 11% of the recommended daily intake for pregnant women. Green peppers are also a source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber.

Choice D reason: Carrots are a low source of folate, as they contain 24 micrograms of folate per cup, which is 6% of the recommended daily intake for pregnant women. Carrots are mainly a source of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fiber.