A nurse is providing teaching about the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet to a client who has hypertension. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Reducing caloric intake by 200 calories a day may not be enough to achieve significant weight loss for a client who is obese. The recommended daily calorie deficit for weight loss is 500 to 750 calories, which can result in a loss of 1 to 1.5 pounds per week¹.

Choice B reason: Losing 5 percent of body weight can improve glycemic control and reduce the need for glucose-lowering medications for a client who has type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that weight loss of 5 to 10 percent can lower HbA1c levels by 0.5 to 1.0 percentage points².

Choice C reason: Exercising for 30 minutes three times a week may not be sufficient to lose 1 pound per week. The recommended amount of physical activity for weight loss is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, plus resistance training at least twice a week³.

Choice D reason: Drinking 16 ounces of apple juice is not advisable if the blood glucose level drops during exercise, as it can cause hyperglycemia. Apple juice contains about 48 grams of carbohydrates, which is equivalent to four servings of glucose tablets⁴. The recommended treatment for hypoglycemia is to consume 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, gel, or juice, and recheck the blood glucose level after 15 minutes⁵.

Choice A reason: "Limit the number of fast-food meals to five each week." is not a good information to include, as it implies that fast-food meals are acceptable as long as they are not too frequent. The nurse should discourage the students from consuming fast-food meals, as they are high in fat, salt, sugar, and calories, and low in nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. The nurse should advise the students to choose healthier options, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.

Choice B reason: "You should drink a glass of milk with breakfast." is a good information to include, as it promotes the intake of calcium, which is essential for bone health and growth. Adolescents need about 1,300 mg of calcium per day, which can be obtained from milk and other dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt. The nurse should encourage the students to drink milk with breakfast, as it can also provide protein, vitamin D, and other nutrients.

Choice C reason: "Most of your dietary intake should come from protein." is not a good information to include, as it suggests that protein is more important than other macronutrients, such as carbohydrates and fats. The nurse should explain to the students that protein is necessary for tissue repair, muscle development, and immune function, but it should not exceed 10 to 30 percent of the total caloric intake. The nurse should recommend the students to consume a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, fats, and protein, as well as vitamins, minerals, and water.

Choice D reason: "Your total intake for the day should not exceed 1,000 calories." is not a good information to include, as it indicates that calorie restriction is the key to a healthy diet. The nurse should inform the students that calorie needs vary depending on age, gender, activity level, and growth rate, and that 1,000 calories is too low for most adolescents. The nurse should advise the students to eat enough calories to meet their energy and nutritional needs, and to avoid skipping meals or starving themselves.