A nurse is caring for a client who has a small-bore jejunostomy tube and is receiving a continuous tube feeding with a high-viscosity formula. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the tubing from clogging?

Choice A reason: Peas are not a good choice for a mechanical soft diet, as they are small and round and can pose a choking hazard. Peas also require some chewing to break them down, which may be difficult for the client.

Choice B reason: Dried apricots are not a good choice for a mechanical soft diet, as they are hard and sticky and can damage the teeth or dentures. Dried apricots also require a lot of chewing to swallow them, which may be painful or tiring for the client.

Choice C reason: Canned pears are a good choice for a mechanical soft diet, as they are soft and moist and can be easily mashed with a fork. Canned pears do not require much chewing and can be swallowed smoothly.

Choice D reason: Cashews are not a good choice for a mechanical soft diet, as they are hard and crunchy and can injure the gums or oral mucosa. Cashews also require a lot of chewing and can get stuck in the teeth or dentures.

Choice A reason: Checking the client's deep tendon reflexes every 4 hr is a appropriate action for a nurse to take for a client who has hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia is a low level of magnesium in the blood, which can cause neuromuscular excitability and hyperreflexia. The nurse should monitor the client's reflexes for signs of increased or decreased response, which can indicate worsening or improving hypomagnesemia.

Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to consume more fiber is not a relevant action for a nurse to take for a client who has hypomagnesemia. Fiber is beneficial for digestive health and blood glucose control, but it has no direct effect on magnesium levels. The nurse should encourage the client to consume foods that are rich in magnesium, such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.

Choice C reason: Restricting the client's fluid intake to 500 mL/day is not a safe or effective action for a nurse to take for a client who has hypomagnesemia. Fluid restriction can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and kidney damage, which can worsen hypomagnesemia. The nurse should maintain the client's fluid balance and monitor their urine output and specific gravity.

Choice D reason: Limiting sodium-containing foods on the client's meal tray is not a necessary action for a nurse to take for a client who has hypomagnesemia. Sodium is not directly related to magnesium levels, and limiting sodium intake can cause hyponatremia, which is a low level of sodium in the blood. The nurse should ensure that the client receives adequate sodium intake from their diet or supplements.