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: Measuring the client's gastric residual every 12 hr is not frequent enough to monitor the feeding tolerance and prevent aspiration. The nurse should measure the gastric residual before each intermittent feeding or every 4 to 6 hr during continuous feeding¹².

Choice B reason: Flushing the client's tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hr is an appropriate action to maintain the tube patency, prevent clogging, and hydrate the client. The nurse should flush the tube before and after each medication administration, feeding, or gastric residual check¹³.

Choice C reason: Keeping the client's head elevated at 15° during feedings is not sufficient to prevent reflux and aspiration. The nurse should elevate the head of the bed at least 30° to 45° during feedings and for at least 30 min to 1 hr after feedings¹⁴.

Choice D reason: Obtaining the client's electrolyte levels every 4 hr is not necessary unless the client has signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance, such as edema, dehydration, or abnormal vital signs. The nurse should monitor the client's weight, intake and output, and laboratory values as ordered by the provider¹⁵.

Choice B reason: Providing low-fat carbohydrates with meals can help reduce nausea and vomiting in clients who have equilibrium imbalance. Low-fat carbohydrates are easy to digest and can provide energy and prevent hypoglycemia. Examples of low-fat carbohydrates are crackers, toast, rice, and noodles.

Choice A reason: Serving hot foods at mealtime is not a good strategy for clients who have nausea from equilibrium imbalance. Hot foods can have strong odors and flavors that can trigger nausea and vomiting. Cold or room-temperature foods are more tolerable and less stimulating for the senses.

Choice C reason: Encouraging the client to eat even if nauseated is not a helpful strategy for clients who have nausea from equilibrium imbalance. Forcing the client to eat can worsen nausea and vomiting and cause discomfort and distress. The nurse should respect the client's preferences and appetite and offer small, frequent meals and snacks.

Choice D reason: Limiting fluid intake between meals is not a necessary strategy for clients who have nausea from equilibrium imbalance. Fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can occur due to vomiting. The nurse should encourage the client to drink fluids between meals, but avoid drinking fluids with meals, as this can cause bloating and fullness.