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: Confusion and weakness are signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can result from vomiting and diarrhea. These are serious complications that can affect the client's mental status, blood pressure, heart rate, and kidney function. The nurse should report these changes to the provider and monitor the client's vital signs and fluid status.

Choice B reason: Dry oral mucosa and furrowed tongue are also signs of dehydration, but they are less severe than confusion and weakness. The nurse should report these changes to the provider as well, but they are not the most urgent ones.

Choice C reason: Clear lungs bilaterally are a normal finding and do not indicate any change in the client's condition. The nurse should document this finding, but it does not require reporting to the provider.

Choice D reason: A soft and non-tender abdomen is a normal finding and does not indicate any change in the client's condition. The nurse should document this finding, but it does not require reporting to the provider.

Choice A reason: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption. It is mainly obtained from exposure to sunlight and animal sources, such as dairy products, eggs, and fish. Vegans are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, especially if they live in areas with limited sunlight or do not take supplements.

Choice B reason: Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and antioxidant activity. It is abundant in plant sources, such as fruits and vegetables. Vegans are not likely to be deficient in vitamin C, unless they have a very restricted diet or a malabsorption disorder.

Choice C reason: Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in many enzymatic reactions, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and bone formation. It is widely distributed in plant and animal foods, such as nuts, seeds, legumes, grains, and green leafy vegetables. Vegans are not prone to magnesium deficiency, unless they have a chronic condition that affects magnesium absorption or excretion.

Choice D reason: Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell production. It is found in fortified grains, cereals, breads, and pasta, as well as in dark green leafy vegetables, beans, and lentils. Vegans are not at risk for folic acid deficiency, as long as they consume enough of these foods or take supplements.