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:Raw carrots are not a good choice for a 9-month-old infant because they are also a choking hazard. Raw carrots are hard and crunchy, which can be difficult for the infant to chew and swallow. Raw carrots should be cooked until soft and cut into small pieces before offering to the infant.

Choice B reason: Unsalted popcorn is not a good choice for a 9-month-old infant because it poses a choking hazard. Popcorn is hard, dry, and irregularly shaped, which can easily get stuck in the infant's throat or airway. Popcorn should be avoided until the child is at least 4 years old.

Choice C reason: Skim milk is not a good choice for a 9-month-old infant because it does not provide enough fat and calories for their growth and development. Infants should drink breast milk or formula until they are at least 12 months old.

Choice D reason: Graham crackers are a good choice for a 9-month-old infant because they are soft, easy to chew, and provide carbohydrates and iron for their energy and growth. Graham crackers can be broken into small pieces and given to the infant as finger food.

Choice A reason: Soaking fruits in water before peeling them is not a good practice for retaining nutrients because it can cause water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, to leach out into the water. It is better to wash fruits briefly under running water and peel them as thinly as possible.

Choice B reason: Cooking vegetables for the week and reheating them at each meal is not a good practice for retaining nutrients because it can cause nutrient losses due to exposure to heat, light, air, and water. It is better to cook vegetables as close to the time of consumption as possible and use minimal water and cooking time.

Choice C reason: Boiling vegetables on the stove until they are soft is not a good practice for retaining nutrients because it can cause significant nutrient losses due to high temperature and long cooking time. It is better to steam, microwave, or stir-fry vegetables until they are crisp-tender and retain their color and texture.

Choice D reason: Keeping ripe fruits refrigerated until eating them is a good practice for retaining nutrients because it can slow down the ripening process and prevent spoilage. Refrigeration can preserve the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of fruits. However, some fruits, such as bananas, tomatoes, and avocados, should not be refrigerated because they can lose their quality and taste.