A nurse is assessing a client who has a decreased potassium level. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Record between-meal snacks on the calorie count form: Between-meal snacks contribute significantly to a client's total daily caloric intake and must be included to obtain an accurate calorie count. Omitting these snacks can result in an incomplete dietary assessment, potentially leading to inaccurate evaluations of the client's nutritional status.
B. Begin the calorie count with the client's next evening meal: Calorie counts should begin as soon as the prescription is initiated, not delayed until a specific mealtime. Waiting to begin with the evening meal may result in missed intake data and reduce the accuracy of the assessment. Timely initiation ensures the healthcare team captures a complete and accurate picture of the client’s intake patterns.
C. Exclude liquids in the total calorie count: Liquids, especially those containing calories such as juice, milk, nutritional supplements, or sweetened beverages, must be included in a calorie count. Excluding these items can underestimate the client’s actual caloric intake and interfere with proper evaluation and planning of their nutritional needs.
D. Complete the calorie count for a 5-day period: A standard calorie count is typically conducted over a 72-hour (3-day) period, which is sufficient to identify trends and provide nutritional insights. Extending the count unnecessarily to 5 days may not yield additional useful data and can burden both clients and staff. The focus should be on consistency and completeness within the accepted timeframe.

A. Offer the client a selection of beverages at each meal: Providing a variety of beverages may offer hydration and a sense of control, but clients with anorexia nervosa often use fluids to avoid calorie-dense solid foods. This approach can reinforce avoidance behaviors and does not contribute meaningfully to nutritional rehabilitation or psychological recovery.
B. Inform the client that a weight gain of 2.3 kg (5 lb) per week is expected: A weight gain goal of 2.3 kg per week is too aggressive and may provoke anxiety or resistance from the client. A slower, more gradual goal of 0.5 to 1 kg (1 to 2 lb) per week is considered safer and more psychologically tolerable. Unrealistic expectations can harm rapport and may lead to nonadherence or relapse.
C. Arrange for someone to remain with the client for 30 min after meals: Monitoring after meals is essential to prevent purging or other compensatory behaviors. The standard is 60 to 90 minutes post-meal observation to address delayed attempts at purging or exercising. Thus, while well-intentioned, this time frame is insufficient.
D. Encourage the client to participate in developing dietary goals: Involving the client in setting dietary goals promotes a sense of autonomy, collaboration, and ownership in the recovery process. This approach is therapeutic, reduces power struggles, and helps build trust between the nurse and the client.