A nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to a client who has phenylketonuria (PKU) and is planning a pregnancy. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the discussion?

Choice A reason: Acute stress causes an increase in metabolism, as the body activates the sympathetic nervous system and releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption, and mobilize glucose and fatty acids for energy. The nurse should explain to the clients that acute stress can have beneficial effects, such as enhancing alertness, memory, and performance, but it can also have harmful effects, such as impairing digestion, immunity, and growth.

Choice B reason: Stress causes a negative nitrogen balance in the body, not a positive one. Nitrogen balance is the difference between the amount of nitrogen ingested and the amount of nitrogen excreted. A positive nitrogen balance means that the body is retaining more nitrogen than it is losing, which indicates growth, healing, or pregnancy. A negative nitrogen balance means that the body is losing more nitrogen than it is retaining, which indicates malnutrition, illness, or injury. The nurse should inform the clients that stress can cause a negative nitrogen balance, as the body breaks down protein for energy and loses nitrogen through urine, sweat, and wounds.

Choice C reason: Protein requirements increase in times of stress, not decrease. Protein is essential for tissue repair, immune function, and hormone synthesis. The nurse should advise the clients that stress can increase the protein needs of the body, as the body loses protein through catabolism, inflammation, and infection. The nurse should recommend the clients to consume adequate amounts of high-quality protein, such as eggs, milk, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, soy, and nuts.

Choice D reason: Glucose is broken down more quickly during times of stress, not more slowly. Glucose is the main source of energy for the brain and the muscles. The nurse should educate the clients that stress can increase the glucose levels in the blood, as the body releases glucose from the liver and muscles to provide fuel for the stress response. The nurse should also warn the clients that chronic stress can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Choice A reason: Cheddar cheese is not a good food choice for maintaining water intake, as it contains only about 37% water¹. Cheese and other dairy products are also high in sodium, which can increase the water loss through urine.

Choice B reason: Broccoli is a good food choice for maintaining water intake, as it contains about 89% water². Broccoli and other vegetables are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can benefit the child's health and hydration.

Choice C reason: Whole-wheat bread is not a good food choice for maintaining water intake, as it contains only about 35% water³. Bread and other grains are also high in carbohydrates, which can increase the water retention in the body.

Choice D reason: Almonds are not a good food choice for maintaining water intake, as they contain only about 4% water⁴. Almonds and other nuts are also high in fat and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and inflammation.