The nurse is providing dietary education to a client newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which information should the nurse provide?

Choice A

Cutting the spaghetti and meatballs into small pieces is inappropriate. This choice is not directly related to the risk of infection. It might be helpful for a client who has difficulty swallowing or chewing, but it doesn't address the compromised immune system and infection risk.

Choice B

Exchanging pasteurized whole milk with skim milk is inappropriate. The type of milk doesn't have a direct impact on infection risk. Both pasteurized whole milk and skim milk are considered safe for consumption. This choice doesn't address the specific concern of infection in a client with a low ANC.

Choice C

Substituting fried potatoes with a garden salad is inappropriate. While choosing healthier food options can be beneficial for overall health, the choice between fried potatoes and a garden salad doesn't necessarily impact the infection risk for a client with a low ANC. This choice also doesn't address the specific concern of infection in this context.

Choice D

Remove the fresh grapes from the meal tray is appropriate. The reason for this choice is that a client with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 400 has a significantly compromised immune system, and they are at a high risk of infection due to their low neutrophil count. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in fighting off infections. A normal ANC falls within the range of 2500 to 8000 mm3 or cells/uL.

Fresh grapes, being a raw and uncooked food item, may carry a higher risk of containing bacteria or pathogens that could pose a threat to a client with such a low ANC. The nurse needs to ensure that the client's exposure to potential sources of infection is minimized.

Choice A

Broccoli is appropriate recommendation. Given the client's history of iron deficiency anaemia and the current haemoglobin level below the reference range, it's important to recommend foods that are good sources of iron. Among the options provided, broccoli is the most suitable choice. Iron from plant-based sources (non-heme iron) might be less easily absorbed than iron from animal sources (heme iron), but combining them with foods high in vitamin C can enhance iron absorption. Broccoli is a vegetable that contains both iron and vitamin C, making it a favourable choice to support the client's iron intake and help address the anaemia.

Choice B

Carrots are inappropriate. While carrots are a nutritious vegetable, they are not particularly high in iron.

Choice C

Cheddar cheese is inappropriate. Dairy products like cheddar cheese are not significant sources of iron.

Choice D

Whole milk is inappropriate. Whole milk is not a significant source of iron either. Additionally, calcium in milk might hinder iron absorption if consumed together.