A nurse is reinforcing teaching about saturated fats with a client who is at risk for cardiovascular disease. Which of the following cooking fats should the nurse recommend the client use?

Choice A reason: Eliminating egg whites from the diet is not necessary, as they are a good source of protein and do not contain any fat or cholesterol. The client should limit or avoid egg yolks, which are high in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Choice B reason: Using coconut oil when preparing food is not advisable, as it is a source of saturated fat that can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. The client should use unsaturated fats, such as olive oil or canola oil, which can lower blood cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

Choice C reason: Eating fish three times a week is a good practice, as fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and prevent blood clots that can cause heart attacks or strokes. The client should choose oily fish, such as salmon, tuna, or mackerel, which have higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Choice D reason: Including 2 percent milk in the diet is not recommended, as it contains more fat and calories than skim or 1 percent milk. The client should choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as yogurt, cheese, or milk, which can provide calcium and protein without excess fat.

Choice A Reason:

The statement “I will wrap the suction catheters in a clean towel to be used again at a later time” is incorrect. Suction catheters should be disposed of after each use to prevent infection. Reusing catheters, even if wrapped in a clean towel, can introduce bacteria into the tracheostomy site, leading to potential infections.

Choice B Reason:

The statement “I will set the suction pressure dial between 80 and 120” is correct. The recommended suction pressure for adults is typically between 80 and 120 mmHg. This range is sufficient to effectively clear secretions without causing trauma to the tracheal mucosa. Setting the suction pressure within this range ensures safe and effective suctioning.

Choice C Reason:

The statement “I will suction for less than 15 seconds while inserting the suction catheter” is incorrect. Suctioning should be performed intermittently and for no longer than 10-15 seconds at a time. However, suctioning should not occur while inserting the catheter. Suction should be applied only while withdrawing the catheter to minimize trauma to the tracheal mucosa.

Choice D Reason:

The statement “I will suction the mouth before inserting the suction catheter into the tracheostomy” is incorrect. Suctioning the mouth before the tracheostomy can introduce oral bacteria into the tracheostomy site, increasing the risk of infection. The correct procedure is to suction the tracheostomy first and then the mouth if needed.