The nurse requests a meal tray for a client who follows Mormon beliefs and who is on a clear liquid diet following abdominal surgery.
Which menu item(s) should the nurse request for this client? (Select all that apply).

The correct answer is choice d. Verify that Client B has two units of packed cells available.

Choice A rationale:

Moving Client D into an isolation room 24 hours before surgery is not necessary solely based on an elevated WBC count. Elevated WBCs indicate infection or inflammation, but isolation is not typically required unless there is a contagious infection.

Choice B rationale:

Client C’s potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L). Adding a banana, which is high in potassium, is not necessary.

Choice C rationale:

Client A with emphysema and an oxygen saturation of 94% does not require an increase in oxygen. Oxygen therapy should be carefully managed in clients with emphysema to avoid suppressing their respiratory drive.

Choice D rationale:

Client B has a postoperative hemoglobin of 8.2 mg/dL, which is significantly below the normal range (14 to 18 g/dL). This client may require a blood transfusion to address the low hemoglobin level, making it essential to verify the availability of packed red blood cells.

a) Suggest an increase in fruits and vegetables is more beneficial.

In this scenario, the dentist is increasing the amount of dairy products in her diet with the aim of reducing the risk of gingivitis due to her family history of cancer. However, the practical nurse (PN) should respond by suggesting that an increase in fruits and vegetables would be more beneficial.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help support overall oral health and reduce the risk of gingivitis. They provide a wide range of nutrients that are important for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

While dairy products can contribute to overall dental health due to their calcium content, they should not be solely relied upon as the primary means of preventing gingivitis or reducing the risk of cancer. A well- rounded and balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, is essential for optimal oral health.

Options b, c, and d are not directly related to the dentist's concern about gingivitis and the increased consumption of dairy products. Encouraging exercise (option b) is generally beneficial for overall health, but it does not specifically address gingivitis. Reminding the client to ensure dairy products are fortified with vitamin D (option c) is not necessary in this context, as the focus is on preventing gingivitis rather than addressing vitamin D deficiency. Providing writen information about the warning signs of cancer (option d) is not directly relevant to the dentist's current situation and concern about gingivitis.