A nurse is teaching a parent about appropriate snack choices for her 9-month-old infant. Which of the following food choices should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: Reporting ability to complete ADLs is not a specific finding that indicates that probiotic therapy is effective. Ability to complete ADLs depends on various factors, such as energy level, muscle strength, mobility, cognition, and motivation. Ability to complete ADLs may improve with parenteral nutrition, but not necessarily with probiotic therapy.

Choice B reason: Having pink mucous membranes is not a specific finding that indicates that probiotic therapy is effective. Pink mucous membranes reflect adequate hydration and oxygenation status, which are important for overall health, but not directly related to probiotic therapy.

Choice C reason: Having blood glucose level within the expected reference range is not a specific finding that indicates that probiotic therapy is effective. Blood glucose level is influenced by carbohydrate intake, insulin production, and medication use, which are related to parenteral nutrition, but not probiotic therapy.

Choice D reason: Having soft, formed bowel movements is a specific finding that indicates that probiotic therapy is effective. Probiotic therapy is the use of beneficial bacteria or yeast to restore the normal flora and function of the gastrointestinal tract, which can prevent or treat diarrhea, constipation, or infection. Having soft, formed bowel movements shows that the client has a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.

Choice A reason: Tapioca is a gluten-free food that can be recommended for a client who has celiac disease. Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava root, which is a tuber plant. Tapioca can be used to make puddings, breads, flours, and pearls.

Choice B reason: Barley is not a gluten-free food that can be recommended for a client who has celiac disease. Barley is a cereal grain that contains gluten, which is a protein that can trigger an immune response and damage the small intestine in people who have celiac disease. Barley should be avoided or replaced with gluten-free grains, such as rice, quinoa, or buckwheat.

Choice C reason: Cold cuts are not gluten-free foods that can be recommended for a client who has celiac disease. Cold cuts are sliced meats that are often processed and cured with additives, such as fillers, binders, and preservatives, that may contain gluten. Cold cuts should be avoided or checked for gluten-free labels before consuming.

Choice D reason: Flavored chips are not gluten-free foods that can be recommended for a client who has celiac disease. Flavored chips are snack foods that are often made from potatoes, corn, or rice, which are gluten-free ingredients, but they may also contain seasonings, spices, and sauces that may contain gluten. Flavored chips should be avoided or checked for gluten-free labels before consuming.