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: Thawing frozen meat on the counter is not a good practice for food poisoning prevention because it can allow bacteria to grow rapidly on the surface of the meat. Thawing frozen meat should be done in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.

Choice B reason: Reusing leftover marinade as sauce is not a good practice for food poisoning prevention because it can contaminate cooked food with raw meat juices that may contain bacteria. Leftover marinade should be discarded or boiled for at least one minute before using as sauce.

Choice C reason: Apple pie is a good choice for food poisoning prevention because it is unlikely to contain harmful bacteria or toxins. Apple pie is made from cooked apples, sugar, flour, and butter, which are low-risk ingredients for food poisoning. Apple pie should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer after cooling to prevent spoilage.

Choice D reason: Cooked rice is not a good choice for food poisoning prevention because it can harbor a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which can produce toxins that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Cooked rice should be cooled quickly and stored in the refrigerator for no more than one day or in the freezer for longer periods. Cooked rice should be reheated thoroughly before eating.

Choice A reason: Dry eyes are not caused by vitamin D deficiency, but by other factors such as aging, medication, environmental conditions, or eye diseases. Vitamin D does not have a direct role in eye health or function.

Choice B reason: Fractures are caused by vitamin D deficiency, as vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for bone health and strength. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become brittle and prone to breaking.

Choice C reason: Infection is not caused by vitamin D deficiency, but by other factors such as exposure to pathogens, weakened immune system, or poor hygiene. Vitamin D may have some role in modulating immune responses, but it is not a primary factor in preventing infection.

Choice D reason: Swelling is not caused by vitamin D deficiency, but by other factors such as injury, inflammation, fluid retention, or allergic reaction. Vitamin D does not have a direct role in regulating fluid balance or reducing inflammation.