A nurse is caring for a client who had a stroke with left-sided paralysis and is at risk for dysphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Drinking orange juice with iron supplements can increase absorption, not decrease it. Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant foods and supplements. The nurse should advise the client to take iron supplements with a source of vitamin C, such as orange juice, strawberries, or tomatoes.

Choice B reason: Cooking in a stainless steel skillet does not increase the amount of iron in the food. Stainless steel is not a good conductor of iron and does not leach iron into the food. The nurse should suggest the client to use a cast iron skillet instead, which can add iron to the food, especially acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits.

Choice C reason: Drinking iced tea with meals can decrease the amount of iron absorbed, not increase it. Iced tea contains tannins, which are compounds that bind to iron and inhibit its absorption. The nurse should recommend the client to avoid drinking tea, coffee, or other beverages that contain tannins with meals, and to drink them between meals instead.

Choice D reason: Fish and poultry are primary sources of heme iron, which is the type of iron found in animal foods and is more easily absorbed by the body. The nurse should encourage the client to eat more foods that are high in heme iron, such as fish, poultry, meat, and eggs.

Choice A reason: "I should use butter for cooking vegetables." is not a correct statement, as butter is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease. The nurse should advise the client to use unsaturated oils, such as olive or canola oil, for cooking vegetables.

Choice B reason: "I will choose whole grain bread." is a correct statement, as whole grains are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which can lower the risk of heart disease. The nurse should encourage the client to choose whole grain bread over refined bread, and to consume at least three servings of whole grains per day.

Choice C reason: "I should decrease my sodium intake to 3.2 grams per day." is not a correct statement, as 3.2 grams of sodium is equivalent to 8 grams of salt, which is above the recommended limit of 6 grams of salt per day for adults. The nurse should instruct the client to reduce their sodium intake to less than 2.3 grams per day, or 1.5 grams per day if they have high blood pressure, and to avoid processed foods, canned foods, and table salt.

Choice D reason: "I will eat chicken with the skin." is not a correct statement, as chicken skin is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease. The nurse should suggest the client to remove the skin from chicken before eating, and to choose lean cuts of poultry, fish, or meat.