A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching with the guardians of a toddler. Which of the following snack foods should the nurse recommend?

Choice A rationale:
Iron 100 mcg/dL The normal range for serum iron levels can vary based on age and gender, but typically, a range of 50 to 150 mcg/dL is considered normal. The provided value of 100 mcg/dL falls within this range and is not a cause for concern. Elevated iron levels can be indicative of hemochromatosis or other disorders, but this value is not concerning.
Choice B rationale:
Hemoglobin 8 g/dL Hemoglobin levels can vary by age and gender, but in general, a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL is low and suggestive of anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Anemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms, and the nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Choice C rationale:
Sodium 140 mEq/L The normal range for serum sodium levels is typically around 135 to 145 mEq/L. The provided value of 140 mEq/L falls within this normal range and is not a cause for concern. Deviations from this range can indicate various conditions, including dehydration or overhydration, but this value is within an acceptable range.
Choice D rationale:
Calcium 9 mg/dL The normal range for serum calcium levels can vary, but generally, a range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL is considered normal. The provided value of 9 mg/dL falls within this range and is not significantly abnormal. Abnormal calcium levels can be indicative of various conditions, including thyroid disorders or kidney problems, but this value is not concerning.

Choice A rationale:
Gently lift the traction weights off the floor when repositioning the client. Rationale: This choice is not recommended in the care of a client in skeletal traction. Traction weights should never be lifted off the floor as they provide the necessary counter traction to align and immobilize the fractured bone. Lifting the weights could disrupt the traction and jeopardize the healing process.
Choice B rationale:
Reduce intake of foods containing fiber while nonambulatory. Rationale: While constipation can be a concern for clients in skeletal traction due to decreased mobility, reducing fiber intake is not the appropriate intervention. Adequate fiber intake is important to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Hydration and mobility exercises are more suitable approaches to manage constipation.
Choice C rationale:
Perform passive range-of-motion exercises to the affected extremity every 2 hours. Rationale: Passive range-of-motion exercises are important to maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle atrophy in a nonambulatory client. However, performing these exercises every 2 hours might be excessive and could cause unnecessary discomfort for the client. Range-of-motion exercises are usually done every 4 to 8 hours to strike a balance between maintaining joint health and providing rest.
Choice D rationale:
Apply protective padding to the end of the pin sites. Rationale: This is the correct choice. Applying protective padding to the end of the pin sites is crucial to prevent pressure ulcers and infection. The pin sites are potential entry points for bacteria, and protecting them helps reduce the risk of infection. Padding also prevents pressure on the skin and underlying tissues, reducing the potential for pressure injuries.