A nurse is providing teaching about a gluten-free diet to a client who has celiac disease. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend the client include in his diet?

Prealbumin (also known as transthyretin): Prealbumin is a protein synthesized in the liver and has a shorter half-life compared to albumin. It is considered a more sensitive marker for

short-term nutritional changes and can reflect the effectiveness of TPN within a few days.

Prealbumin levels can indicate the response to nutritional interventions and provide a more immediate assessment of nutritional adequacy.

Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a measure of the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells and is typically used to assess anemia. While hemoglobin can be affected by nutritional status, it is not a specific marker for the short-term effectiveness of TPN.

Total albumin: Total albumin is a measure of protein status and can be affected by various factors, including inflammation and liver disease. However, it has a longer half-life and slower response to nutritional changes, so it may not be the best indicator for short-term effectiveness.

Transferrin: Transferrin is a protein involved in iron transport and can be used as an indicator of iron status. However, it may not reflect short-term changes in nutritional status and is not specific to TPN effectiveness.

Monitoring prealbumin levels can help determine the short-term effectiveness of TPN and guide adjustments to the nutritional plan.

Avocado is a healthy source of unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Choosing an avocado dip instead of salsa, which is typically low in fat, aligns with the goal of reducing saturated fat intake.

The other statements are incorrect:

Eating the skin on poultry, even if it is broiled, is not recommended for a low-saturated fat diet. Poultry skin contains significant amounts of saturated fat, so it is advisable to remove the skin before consumption to reduce saturated fat intake.

Including 7 ounces of fish in the diet weekly is not specific to a low-saturated fat diet. While fish is a healthy protein source, the recommendation to consume 7 ounces of fish per week is related to the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which have cardiovascular benefits. However, the specific type of fish and preparation methods should be considered to ensure a low-saturated fat content.

Using margarine on waffles is not advisable for a low-saturated fat diet. Most margarines contain trans fats or hydrogenated oils, which are unhealthy and contribute to an increase in saturated fat intake. It is better to choose healthier alternatives such as spreads made from nuts, seeds, or avocado, or to use a small amount of healthier oils like olive oil or canola oil.