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: Tuna fish is a good food choice for an older adult client who has difficulty chewing due to missing teeth because it is soft, moist, and easy to swallow. Tuna fish also provides protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D for the client.

Choice B reason: Roast beef is not a good food choice for an older adult client who has difficulty chewing due to missing teeth because it is tough, dry, and hard to chew. Roast beef can cause pain, fatigue, or choking for the client who has missing teeth. Roast beef should be avoided or cut into very small pieces and moistened with gravy or sauce before consuming.

Choice C reason: Apple slices are not a good food choice for an older adult client who has difficulty chewing due to missing teeth because they are crisp, firm, and sticky. Apple slices can cause irritation or injury to the gums or mouth or dislodge any remaining teeth. Apple slices should be avoided or cooked until soft and mashed before consuming.

Choice D reason: Dried fruit is not a good food choice for an older adult client who has difficulty chewing due to missing teeth because they are chewy, sticky, and sugary. Dried fruit can adhere to the gums or teeth and cause dental caries or gum disease. Dried fruit should be avoided or soaked in water until soft and cut into small pieces before consuming.

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.