A nurse is assisting in the selection of food for a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following foods should the nurse select that contains the greatest amount of potassium?

Steak cut into small pieces: While it is important to introduce a variety of textures and flavors to toddlers, steak may be challenging for them to chew and swallow safely. It is recommended to offer softer and more easily chewable protein sources, such as finely minced or shredded cooked meat, ground meat, or soft fish.

Cooked spaghetti with sauce: This is a good choice for a toddler. Cooked spaghetti with sauce provides a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates from the pasta, nutrients from the sauce (e.g., vegetables, protein), and a variety of flavors and textures. It is important to ensure that the spaghetti is cooked to an appropriate tenderness for the toddler's chewing and swallowing abilities.

Hot dogs cut in fourths: Hot dogs pose a potential choking hazard for toddlers due to their cylindrical shape and texture. Cutting the hot dog into smaller pieces is a safety measure, but it is still recommended to be cautious with hot dog consumption and offer alternative protein sources that are safer and easier to chew.

Caramel popcorn: Caramel popcorn is not an appropriate food choice for toddlers. Popcorn can be a choking hazard due to its small, hard, and irregular shape. Caramel popcorn can also be high in added sugars, which are not recommended in excess for young children. It is important to provide safe, age-appropriate snacks that are easy to chew and swallow, such as cut fruits, soft-cooked vegetables, or age-appropriate crackers.

An appropriate intervention for a nurse caring for a client with stomatitis following radiation therapy would be to serve foods without sauces or gravies. Stomatitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, which can cause pain and discomfort. Foods with sauces or gravies can irritate the affected areas and exacerbate the symptoms. Serving plain or bland foods can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Instructing the client to drink liquids without a straw is not specifically related to stomatitis. The use of a straw may not have a direct impact on the condition. However, it is generally recommended to avoid using a straw when there are mouth sores or ulcers to prevent further irritation.

Serving foods while still at a hot temperature is not appropriate for a client with stomatitis. Hot foods can cause additional discomfort and may further irritate the inflamed tissues. It is advisable to serve foods at a cooler or lukewarm temperature to provide relief.

Offering mouth rinses with normal saline and water is not specifically related to stomatitis following radiation therapy. While mouth rinses can be helpful in maintaining oral hygiene and soothing oral tissues, the choice of rinse solution may vary depending on the client's condition and healthcare provider's recommendations. In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe a specific mouth rinse or provide instructions on the appropriate solution to use.