A nurse is teaching a group of clients about dietary needs to prevent osteoporosis. Which of the following dietary choices should the nurse recommend as having the highest calcium content?

Choice A reason: Recommending a total fiber intake of 12 g each day is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it is too low for most adults. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA. for fiber is 25 g per day for women and 38 g per day for men, which can help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and promote bowel health.

Choice B reason: Referring the client to a weight-loss support group is an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it can help the client achieve and maintain a healthy weight. A body mass index (BMI) of 28 indicates overweight, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. A weight-loss support group can provide education, motivation, and accountability for the client.

Choice C reason: Advising the client to add 500 calories per day to the diet is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it can lead to weight gain. A client who has a BMI of 28 does not need to increase their caloric intake unless they have other medical conditions or nutritional needs that require more calories. Adding 500 calories per day to the diet can result in gaining about one pound per week, which can worsen the health outcomes of the client.

Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to continue current daily caloric intake is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it may prevent weight loss. A client who has a BMI of 28 needs to reduce their caloric intake by 500 to 1,000 calories per day to lose one to two pounds per week, which is considered a safe and effective rate of weight loss.

Choice A reason: Feedings should not be accompanied by nonnutritive sucking. Nonnutritive sucking is the act of sucking on a pacifier, finger, or other object without getting any nutrition. Nonnutritive sucking can interfere with the establishment of breastfeeding, cause nipple confusion, and reduce milk supply.

Choice B reason: Feedings should be on demand. On demand feeding means feeding the newborn whenever they show signs of hunger, such as rooting, sucking, or crying. On demand feeding helps the newborn regulate their appetite, meet their nutritional needs, and bond with their caregiver.

Choice C reason: Feedings should not begin within 1 hr after birth. This instruction is applicable for breastfeeding, not bottle feeding. Breastfeeding should begin within 1 hr after birth to initiate milk production, stimulate uterine contractions, and transfer colostrum to the newborn. Bottle feeding can be delayed until the newborn is stable and alert.

Choice D reason: Feedings may not occur in clusters. Cluster feeding means feeding the newborn more frequently and for longer periods of time during certain times of the day or night. Cluster feeding is common in breastfed newborns, especially during growth spurts or developmental leaps. Bottle fed newborns may not exhibit cluster feeding, as they tend to have more consistent and predictable feeding patterns.