The patient who has a serum magnesium level of 1.4 mg/dL is being treated with dietary modification. Which foods should the nurse suggest for this patient?

Extracellular fluid deficit.

Choice A rationale:

Intracellular fluid deficit is a decrease in the fluid inside the cells, which may occur in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Severe burns are more likely to cause extracellular fluid shifts rather than intracellular fluid deficits.

Choice B rationale:

Interstitial fluid deficit involves a decrease in fluid in the interstitial spaces between cells. While burns can lead to fluid shifts, the primary concern is fluid loss from the vascular space (extracellular fluid).

Choice C rationale:

Intracellular fluid overload is not a typical health problem associated with severe burns. Burn injuries are more likely to cause fluid loss and shifts out of the intracellular space.

Choice D rationale:

Severe burns can result in significant loss of plasma and extracellular fluid, leading to hypovolemia and extracellular fluid deficit. This fluid loss can lead to hypovolemic shock and other complications if not adequately managed.

Choice A rationale:

Romaine lettuce is a good dietary source of magnesium. Since the patient has a low serum magnesium level, suggesting foods rich in magnesium like romaine lettuce can help improve magnesium levels.

Choice B rationale:

Lean red meat is not a good suggestion for a patient with low magnesium levels. While it contains magnesium, it is not as rich in magnesium as some other food choices.

Choice C rationale:

Almonds are a good dietary source of magnesium and can be recommended to the patient with low magnesium levels to help increase their magnesium intake.

Choice D rationale:

White rice is not a significant source of magnesium and may not be helpful in improving the patient's low magnesium levels.

Choice E rationale:

Seafood is a good source of various nutrients but is not particularly rich in magnesium compared to other options like almonds and romaine lettuce. Thus, it may not be the best suggestion for the patient's low magnesium levels.