A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed a mechanical soft diet. Which food choice would be appropriate for this client to have included in their diet?

A) Hyperactive bowel sounds: Hypercalcemia typically leads to decreased gastrointestinal motility, not increased. Clients with elevated calcium levels may experience constipation, abdominal pain, or ileus due to the relaxing effect of calcium on smooth muscle. Therefore, hyperactive bowel sounds are not a common finding in hypercalcemia.

B) Increased blood clots: Hypercalcemia can promote a hypercoagulable state, increasing the risk of thromboembolic events. This occurs because high calcium levels can enhance platelet aggregation and increase the coagulability of blood. Therefore, a client with elevated serum calcium may have an increased risk of developing blood clots.

C) Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes: Hypercalcemia generally leads to reduced neuromuscular excitability, which may manifest as decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes, muscle weakness, and lethargy. Hyperactive reflexes are more commonly associated with hypocalcemia, which causes increased neuromuscular excitability.

D) Positive Chvostek’s sign: Chvostek's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia. It involves twitching of the facial muscles in response to tapping the facial nerve and is due to increased neuromuscular excitability caused by low calcium levels. Hypercalcemia, conversely, does not typically present with a positive Chvostek’s sign.

A) Ribs: Ribs are typically not suitable for a mechanical soft diet because they are tough and require chewing. Mechanical soft diets are designed for individuals who have difficulty chewing or swallowing solid foods.

B) Apple: Apples are generally too hard and crunchy for a mechanical soft diet, which is intended to include softer, easier-to-chew foods.

C) Ground beef: Ground beef is appropriate for a mechanical soft diet because it is easier to chew and swallow compared to whole cuts of meat. It is typically tender and does not require extensive chewing.

D) Corn on the cob: Corn on the cob is not suitable for a mechanical soft diet due to its tough and fibrous texture, which can be difficult to chew and swallow for individuals on this type of diet.