A nurse is planning a mechanical soft diet for a client who has difficulty chewing. Which of the following foods should the nurse plan to include on the client's meal tray?

Choice D reason: A calorie reduction of 500 fewer calories per day can result in a weight loss of about 0.45 kg (1 lb) per week, which is a safe and realistic goal for most clients. A pound of fat contains about 3,500 calories, so reducing the daily intake by 500 calories can create a deficit of 3,500 calories per week.

Choice A reason: A weight loss of 0.45 kg (1 lb) per day is too rapid and unhealthy, as it can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle loss, and metabolic slowdown. It can also be unsustainable and lead to weight regain. A calorie reduction of 500 fewer calories per day cannot achieve such a drastic weight loss.

Choice B reason: A weight loss of 0.23 kg (0.5 lb) per day is also too rapid and unhealthy, for the same reasons as choice A. A calorie reduction of 500 fewer calories per day cannot achieve such a drastic weight loss.

Choice C reason: A weight loss of 0.23 kg (0.5 lb) per week is too slow and unlikely, as it would require a calorie reduction of only 250 fewer calories per day. This is not enough to create a significant deficit and stimulate weight loss. A calorie reduction of 500 fewer calories per day can result in a faster weight loss.

Choice A reason: Fever is not an indication of an allergic reaction, as it is a sign of infection or inflammation. The nurse should assess the infant for other causes of fever, such as ear infection, urinary tract infection, or viral illness.

Choice B reason: Jaundice is not an indication of an allergic reaction, as it is a sign of liver dysfunction or hemolysis. The nurse should evaluate the infant for other causes of jaundice, such as hepatitis, biliary atresia, or hemolytic anemia.

Choice C reason: Bruising is not an indication of an allergic reaction, as it is a sign of trauma or bleeding disorder. The nurse should examine the infant for other causes of bruising, such as injury, coagulopathy, or leukemia.

Choice D reason: Diarrhea is an indication of an allergic reaction, as it is a sign of gastrointestinal hypersensitivity or intolerance. The nurse should ask the parents about the infant's food intake, history of allergies, and symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.