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: Weight gain of 0.45 kg (1 lb) per week is not within the expected reference range for a client who is in the second trimester of pregnancy and has a normal BMI. The recommended weight gain for this client is 0.35 to 0.5 kg (0.8 to 1 lb) per week.

Choice B reason: Intake of 200 extra calories per day is within the expected reference range for a client who is in the second trimester of pregnancy and has a normal BMI. The recommended caloric intake for this client is 2200 to 2900 calories per day, which is about 340 to 450 calories more than the pre-pregnancy intake.

Choice C reason: Intake of 100 extra calories per day is not within the expected reference range for a client who is in the second trimester of pregnancy and has a normal BMI. The recommended caloric intake for this client is 2200 to 2900 calories per day, which is about 340 to 450 calories more than the pre-pregnancy intake.

Choice D reason: Weight gain of 0.91 kg (2 lb) per week is not within the expected reference range for a client who is in the second trimester of pregnancy and has a normal BMI. The recommended weight gain for this client is 0.35 to 0.5 kg (0.8 to 1 lb) per week.

Choice A reason: The standard DASH diet limits sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams per day, which is about the amount of sodium in 1 teaspoon of table salt¹. A lower sodium version of DASH restricts sodium to 1,500 milligrams per day, which may lower blood pressure even further¹. Therefore, limiting sodium intake to 3,200 milligrams per day is not consistent with the DASH diet.

Choice B reason: The DASH diet recommends eating fewer refined carbohydrates and less sugar, as they can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels². Instead, the DASH diet emphasizes eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are rich in fiber, potassium, calcium, and magnesium².

Choice C reason: The DASH diet encourages consuming foods that are high in calcium, such as fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, beans, and nuts¹. Calcium is a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and supports bone health³. Studies have shown that increasing calcium intake can lower blood pressure in people with hypertension³.

Choice D reason: The DASH diet advises limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils¹. Saturated fat can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The DASH diet recommends consuming no more than six percent of total calories from saturated fat¹.