A nurse is evaluating the meal choices of a client who has major depressive disorder and a prescription for phenelzine. Which of the following food selections should the nurse identify as appropriate?

Choice A reason: Increased cholesterol is not an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. The nurse should expect the client's cholesterol level to decrease as a result of the weight loss program, as it can lower the production and absorption of cholesterol in the body.

Choice B reason: Increased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is not an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is a measure of the average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. The nurse should expect the client's HbA1c level to decrease as a result of the weight loss program, as it can improve the insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism of the body.

Choice C reason: Increased LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is not an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is the "bad" cholesterol that can accumulate in the arteries and cause atherosclerosis. The nurse should expect the client's LDL level to decrease as a result of the weight loss program, as it can reduce the synthesis and secretion of LDL in the liver.

Choice D reason: Increased HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is an indication that the weight loss program has been effective, as it is the "good" cholesterol that can remove excess cholesterol from the blood and transport it to the liver for excretion. The nurse should expect the client's HDL level to increase as a result of the weight loss program, as it can enhance the activity and expression of HDL in the body.

Choice A reason: Reducing caloric intake by 200 calories a day may not be enough to achieve significant weight loss for a client who is obese. The recommended daily calorie deficit for weight loss is 500 to 750 calories, which can result in a loss of 1 to 1.5 pounds per week¹.

Choice B reason: Losing 5 percent of body weight can improve glycemic control and reduce the need for glucose-lowering medications for a client who has type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that weight loss of 5 to 10 percent can lower HbA1c levels by 0.5 to 1.0 percentage points².

Choice C reason: Exercising for 30 minutes three times a week may not be sufficient to lose 1 pound per week. The recommended amount of physical activity for weight loss is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, plus resistance training at least twice a week³.

Choice D reason: Drinking 16 ounces of apple juice is not advisable if the blood glucose level drops during exercise, as it can cause hyperglycemia. Apple juice contains about 48 grams of carbohydrates, which is equivalent to four servings of glucose tablets⁴. The recommended treatment for hypoglycemia is to consume 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, gel, or juice, and recheck the blood glucose level after 15 minutes⁵.