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?

According to some sources, behavioral modifications for weight loss include:
● Keeping a food journal to track your intake and identify patterns
● Eating smaller portions and using smaller plates
● Filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables
● Getting plenty of sleep and drinking fluids
● Eating slowly and consciously
● Eating breakfast every day
● Avoiding high-calorie add-ons such as cream, butter, mayonnaise and salad dressings
● Not eating while watching television, reading, working or doing other activities
● Planning healthy snacks and meals in advance and bringing them to work
● Replacing eating with another activity that you will not associate with food
Based on these suggestions, the statement that the nurse should include in the teaching is “Make sure to drink water with your meals.” This can help you feel full and hydrated, and reduce your calorie intake from other beverages.
The other statements are either false or not related to behavioral modifications. For example:
● Your biggest meal of the day should be breakfast. This is not a behavioral modification, but a dietary recommendation that may vary depending on your preferences and needs.
● Meal replacement shakes can cause weight gain. This is not a behavioral modification, but a claim that is not supported by evidence. Meal replacement shakes can be part of a weight loss plan if they are used appropriately and provide adequate nutrition.
● Set your weight loss goal to 2.5 pounds per week. This is not a behavioral modification, but a goal that may be unrealistic or unhealthy for some people. A more reasonable goal is to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week.

Muscle weakness is a finding that indicates the client is experiencing water intoxication. Muscle weakness is a symptom of water intoxication because the excessive intake of water dilutes the sodium levels in the blood, causing hyponatremia. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps maintain the balance of fluids in and around cells and also regulates muscle contraction. When sodium levels are too low, the cells swell and the muscles lose their ability to function properly.

Weak pulses are not a specific finding for water intoxication, as they can be caused by other factors such as decreased blood volume or inadequate cardiac output.

Hypernatremia is the opposite of hyponatremia, meaning high sodium levels in the blood. This can occur due to dehydration, excessive salt intake, or certain medical conditions, but not water intoxication.

Exaggerated reflexes are not typically associated with water intoxication. They may be seen in conditions such as hyperreflexia or certain neurological disorders.