A malnourished child is receiving several nutritional supplements. Which statement by the child indicates to the nurse that an adequate amount of Vitamin A is being provided?

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

Opened package of hot dogs is not correct. Hot dogs are processed and often contain preservatives that help extend their shelf life. However, it's still important to follow proper storage guidelines to ensure their safety.

Choice B

Packaged of uncooked lamb chops is not correct. Uncooked meats are generally safe if stored properly. The main concern arises when cooking and handling them, as raw meats can potentially cross-contaminate other foods if proper sanitation measures are not followed.

Choice C

Opened package of deli sliced meat is correct. Among the options provided, an opened package of deli sliced meats (option C) is most likely to pose a threat of food poisoning after being stored in a refrigerator at 40°F (4.4°C) or below for more than two days.

Deli sliced meats are considered a high-risk food for bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses. When meats are sliced and exposed to air, they have a larger surface area, making them more susceptible to bacterial contamination. While the refrigerator temperature of 40°F (4.4°C) helps slow down bacterial growth, it doesn't completely prevent it, especially if the food has been stored for an extended period of time.

Choice D

Ground-up hamburger raw meat is not correct. Similar to uncooked lamb chops, raw ground meat is generally safe when stored properly and handled with care. However, ground meats do have a larger surface area that can allow bacteria to grow more easily, which is why safe cooking practices are important.