A nurse is teaching a client who is at 10 weeks of gestation about increasing folate in her diet. Which of the following food choices should the nurse recommend as the best source of folate?

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient during pregnancy as it plays a crucial role in the development of the baby's neural tube. When teaching a client about increasing folate in their diet during pregnancy, it's important to recommend foods that are rich in this nutrient.

1/2 cup cooked asparagus: Asparagus is a good source of folate, and 1/2 cup of cooked asparagus contains approximately 134 micrograms of folate.

1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt: While yogurt is a healthy food choice, it is not a significant source of folate.

1 medium apple: Apples are generally low in folate content and not considered a rich source of this nutrient.

1 small banana: Bananas are also not known for their folate content and do not provide a significant amount of this nutrient.

Given the options provided, 1/2 cup cooked asparagus is the best source of folate. It is important to note that other food sources rich in folate include dark leafy greens, legumes, fortified cereals, and citrus fruits. Encouraging a varied and balanced diet that incorporates these folate-rich foods can help ensure adequate folate intake during pregnancy.

The nurse should identify the statement "I like to drink a glass of warm milk before bed to help me sleep" as a contributing factor to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Consuming a glass of warm milk before bed can worsen GERD symptoms due to its high-fat content. High-fat foods, including dairy products, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and delay gastric emptying, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms of GERD.

"I try to follow a low-fat, high-protein diet to help me maintain my weight": Following a low-fat, high-protein diet is actually beneficial for managing GERD. High-fat foods can worsen GERD symptoms by relaxing the LES and delaying gastric emptying, while a low-fat diet can help reduce symptoms.

"I stopped drinking caffeinated beverages several weeks ago": Avoiding caffeinated beverages is a positive step in managing GERD. Caffeine can stimulate acid production in the stomach and relax the LES, contributing to GERD symptoms.

"I have recently stopped drinking alcohol": Stopping alcohol consumption is also beneficial for managing GERD. Alcohol can relax the LES and increase acid production in the stomach, leading to GERD symptoms.