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 A reason: Offering the client a selection of beverages at each meal is not a good action to include in the plan, as it may reduce the client's appetite and intake of solid foods. The nurse should limit the client's fluid intake before and during meals, and encourage the client to consume high-calorie and high-protein drinks, such as milkshakes or smoothies, after meals.

Choice B reason: Informing the client that a weight gain of 2.3 kg (5 lb) per week is expected is not a good action to include in the plan, as it may cause anxiety and resistance in the client. The nurse should set realistic and individualized weight goals for the client, and monitor the client's weight and vital signs regularly. The nurse should also avoid focusing on the client's weight, and instead emphasize the client's health and well-being.

Choice C reason: Arranging for someone to remain with the client for 30 min after meals is a good action to include in the plan, as it can prevent the client from purging or exercising excessively. The nurse should provide a supportive and nonjudgmental environment for the client, and supervise the client's eating and toileting behaviors. The nurse should also educate the client and the family about the complications and treatment of anorexia nervosa.

Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to participate in developing dietary goals is a good action to include in the plan, as it can increase the client's sense of control and motivation. The nurse should collaborate with the client, the dietitian, and the mental health team to create a personalized and flexible meal plan that meets the client's nutritional and psychological needs. The nurse should also praise the client for any progress or achievement, and reinforce the client's positive coping skills.

Choice A reason: Administering the feeding by gravity drip is not an appropriate action for a client who has a small-bore jejunostomy tube and is receiving a high-viscosity formula. Gravity drip can cause overfeeding, aspiration, and abdominal distension. The nurse should use an infusion pump to regulate the flow rate and volume of the feeding.

Choice B reason: Flushing the tubing with 10 mL water every 6 hr is an appropriate action for a client who has a small-bore jejunostomy tube and is receiving a high-viscosity formula. Flushing the tubing prevents clogging, maintains patency, and hydrates the client. The nurse should also flush the tubing before and after medication administration, and whenever the feeding is interrupted or discontinued.

Choice C reason: Replacing the bag and tubing every 24 hr is not an appropriate action for a client who has a small-bore jejunostomy tube and is receiving a high-viscosity formula. Replacing the bag and tubing every 24 hr does not prevent clogging, and may increase the risk of infection and contamination. The nurse should replace the bag and tubing every 48 hr, or as per facility policy.

Choice D reason: Heating the formula prior to infusion is not an appropriate action for a client who has a small-bore jejunostomy tube and is receiving a high-viscosity formula. Heating the formula can alter its composition, reduce its nutritional value, and increase the risk of bacterial growth. The nurse should use room-temperature formula and store it in a refrigerator when not in use.