A nurse is teaching a client about protein. Which of the following foods should the nurse include in the teaching as a complete protein? (Select all that apply)

Choice B reason: Lentils are a rich source of folate, which is a B vitamin that is essential for the development of the neural tube and the prevention of neural tube defects in the fetus . One cup of cooked lentils provides about 358 micrograms of folate, which is 90% of the recommended daily intake for pregnant women.

Choice A reason: Mashed potatoes are not a good source of folate, as they contain only 8 micrograms of folate per cup, which is 2% of the recommended daily intake for pregnant women. Potatoes are mainly a source of carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C.

Choice C reason: Green peppers are a moderate source of folate, as they contain 42 micrograms of folate per cup, which is 11% of the recommended daily intake for pregnant women. Green peppers are also a source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber.

Choice D reason: Carrots are a low source of folate, as they contain 24 micrograms of folate per cup, which is 6% of the recommended daily intake for pregnant women. Carrots are mainly a source of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fiber.

Choice A reason: Increasing the caloric intake before pregnancy is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can lead to excessive weight gain and obesity, which can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other complications. The nurse should advise the client to maintain a healthy weight and a balanced diet before and during pregnancy.

Choice B reason: Increasing the total intake of seafood to 20 ounces per week is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can expose the client to high levels of mercury, which can harm the developing fetus. The nurse should advise the client to limit the intake of seafood to 8 to 12 ounces per week, and avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.

Choice C reason: Decreasing ascorbic acid in the diet is not an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can impair the immune system and the absorption of iron, which are both important for the health of the mother and the fetus. The nurse should advise the client to consume adequate amounts of ascorbic acid, which is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and other foods.

Choice D reason: Increasing folic acid to 400 micrograms per day prior to getting pregnant is an appropriate dietary guideline, as it can prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, in the fetus. The nurse should advise the client to take a daily prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid, and eat foods that are rich in folate, such as leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals.