A nurse is teaching a client who has Parkinson's disease and is prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:
Serving foods hot might seem like a way to enhance the aroma and taste, which could be appealing to the client. However, hot foods might worsen nausea and discomfort for someone undergoing radiation therapy due to their heightened sensitivity to smells. This choice doesn't directly address the client's symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing the intake of liquids at mealtime could be helpful to prevent dehydration, but it doesn't directly address the reported symptoms of nausea, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), and weight loss. Moreover, certain liquids might irritate the client's throat, making this choice less suitable.
Choice C rationale:
Consuming foods high in fat content is not the ideal choice for this client. Fat-rich foods can be heavy and difficult to digest, potentially exacerbating nausea and not being well-tolerated by someone experiencing stomatitis.
Choice D rationale:
The best choice is to recommend foods high in protein. Protein is essential for tissue repair, immune function, and maintaining lean body mass. Given the client's reported weight loss and stomatitis, protein-rich foods can aid in promoting tissue healing and preventing further muscle loss. Additionally, focusing on protein sources that are easy to swallow and tolerate can address the client's discomfort while supporting their nutritional needs.

The correct answer is choice c. Omega-3 fatty acids.

Choice A rationale:

Magnesium is generally abundant in a vegan diet, as it is found in many plant-based foods such as nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables.

Choice B rationale:

Vitamin A can be obtained from plant sources in the form of beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. Therefore, vegans are not at high risk for vitamin A deficiency if they consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.

Choice C rationale:

Omega-3 fatty acids are primarily found in fish and other seafood, which are not part of a vegan diet. While some plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts provide ALA (a type of omega-3), they may not be sufficient to meet the body’s needs for EPA and DHA, the more active forms of omega-3 fatty acids.

Choice D rationale:

Potassium is readily available in a wide range of fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, potatoes, and spinach, making it unlikely for vegans to be deficient in this nutrient.