A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a child who has varicella about management of the disease.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale

Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener used in place of sugar. However, it is not recommended for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) because it contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that individuals with PKU cannot metabolize properly.

Choice B rationale

Individuals with PKU are advised to avoid foods containing milk products. This is because milk and other

dairy products contain phenylalanine, which individuals with PKU cannot metabolize properly. Instead, they are advised to consume a diet low in protein and supplemented with a phenylalanine-free medical formula.

Choice C rationale

Increasing protein consumption is not recommended for individuals with PKU. This is because protein-rich foods often contain phenylalanine, an amino acid that individuals with PKU cannot metabolize properly.

Instead, they are advised to consume a diet low in protein and supplemented with a phenylalanine-free medical formula.

Choice D rationale

Limiting foods high in iron is not specifically related to the dietary management of PKU. Individuals with PKU primarily need to avoid foods high in phenylalanine.

The correct answer is choiced. Encourage the adolescent to perform incentive spirometry to maintain lung capacity.

Choice A rationale: Avoiding influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for 24 months is not recommended. Vaccinations are crucial for preventing respiratory infections, which can be particularly dangerous for individuals with muscular dystrophy due to their compromised respiratory function.

Choice B rationale: Initiating a referral for chest physiotherapy every 4 hours is excessive and impractical. While chest physiotherapy can be beneficial, it is typically recommended at a frequency that is manageable and tailored to the individual’s needs.

Choice C rationale: Recommending the adolescent use a wheelchair to prevent stress on the lower extremities is not ideal. Encouraging mobility and physical activity as tolerated is important to maintain muscle strength and function for as long as possible.

Choice D rationale: Encouraging the adolescent to perform incentive spirometry to maintain lung capacity is appropriate. Incentive spirometry helps improve lung function and prevent respiratory complications, which are common in individuals with muscular dystrophy.