A nurse is assessing a client who has a wound that is not healing. Which of the following dietary supplements should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: Flossing dentures is not necessary, as dentures do not have spaces between the teeth where plaque and food particles can accumulate. Flossing dentures may damage the denture material or cause it to loosen.

Choice B reason: Dentures should be cleaned with a soft material to prevent scratches or damage. A washcloth is gentle enough to clean the denture surfaces without causing harm.

Choice C reason: Wiping dentures before storing them in a dry container at night is not advisable, as it may cause the dentures to crack or warp. Dentures should be soaked in water or a denture cleanser solution overnight to keep them moist and prevent them from losing their shape.

Choice D reason: Wrapping gloved fingers with gauze to remove dentures is not a standard practice. Dentures should be removed carefully by rocking them slightly to break the seal with the gums. Using gauze is unnecessary and may not be as effective or safe for the dentures or the oral tissues.

Choice A reason: Increasing the caloric intake before pregnancy is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can lead to excessive weight gain and obesity, which can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other complications. The nurse should advise the client to maintain a healthy weight and a balanced diet before and during pregnancy.

Choice B reason: Increasing the total intake of seafood to 20 ounces per week is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can expose the client to high levels of mercury, which can harm the developing fetus. The nurse should advise the client to limit the intake of seafood to 8 to 12 ounces per week, and avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.

Choice C reason: Decreasing ascorbic acid in the diet is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can impair the immune system and the absorption of iron, which are both important for the health of the mother and the fetus. The nurse should advise the client to consume adequate amounts of ascorbic acid, which is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and other foods.

Choice D reason: Increasing folic acid to 400 micrograms per day prior to getting pregnant is an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, in the fetus. The nurse should advise the client to take a daily prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid, and eat foods that are rich in folate, such as leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals.