A nurse is caring for a client who has malnutrition. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A reason: Consume ten percent of total calories from saturated fat is not a correct instruction for the DASH diet. The DASH diet recommends limiting saturated fat intake to less than six percent of total calories, as saturated fat can raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

Choice B reason: Consume foods that are high in calcium is a correct instruction for the DASH diet. The DASH diet emphasizes eating foods that are rich in calcium, such as low-fat dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals. Calcium helps regulate blood pressure and prevent osteoporosis.

Choice C reason: Increase intake of refined carbohydrates is not a correct instruction for the DASH diet. The DASH diet advises reducing intake of refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice, and sweets. Refined carbohydrates can increase blood sugar and insulin levels and contribute to obesity and diabetes.

Choice D reason: Limit sodium intake to 3,200 milligrams per day is not a correct instruction for the DASH diet. The DASH diet recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, or even lower to 1,500 milligrams per day for some people. Sodium can increase blood pressure and fluid retention and damage the kidneys and blood vessels.

Choice A reason: Soaking fruits in water before peeling them is not a good practice for retaining nutrients because it can cause water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, to leach out into the water. It is better to wash fruits briefly under running water and peel them as thinly as possible.

Choice B reason: Cooking vegetables for the week and reheating them at each meal is not a good practice for retaining nutrients because it can cause nutrient losses due to exposure to heat, light, air, and water. It is better to cook vegetables as close to the time of consumption as possible and use minimal water and cooking time.

Choice C reason: Boiling vegetables on the stove until they are soft is not a good practice for retaining nutrients because it can cause significant nutrient losses due to high temperature and long cooking time. It is better to steam, microwave, or stir-fry vegetables until they are crisp-tender and retain their color and texture.

Choice D reason: Keeping ripe fruits refrigerated until eating them is a good practice for retaining nutrients because it can slow down the ripening process and prevent spoilage. Refrigeration can preserve the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of fruits. However, some fruits, such as bananas, tomatoes, and avocados, should not be refrigerated because they can lose their quality and taste.