A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for tetracycline. Which of the following nutritional considerations should the nurse note in the teaching?

Choice A reason: Recommending a total fat intake of 12 g each day is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it is too low for most adults. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA. for fat is 20 to 35% of total calories per day, which translates to about 44 to 78 g of fat per day for an average adult who consumes 2,000 calories per day.

Choice B reason: Referring the client to a weight-loss support group is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because the client does not need to lose weight. A body mass index (BMI) of 22 is within the normal range, which is 18.5 to 24.9. A weight-loss support group is more suitable for clients who have a BMI of 25 or higher, which indicates overweight or obesity.

Choice C reason: Advising the client to add 500 calories per day to the diet is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it may lead to weight gain. A client who has a BMI of 22 does not need to increase their caloric intake unless they have other medical conditions or nutritional needs that require more calories. Adding 500 calories per day to the diet can result in gaining about one pound per week, which can increase the risk of obesity and its complications.

Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to continue current daily caloric intake is an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it can help maintain a healthy weight. A client who has a BMI of 22 has a balanced energy intake and expenditure, which means that they consume enough calories to meet their metabolic needs and physical activity level. Continuing current daily caloric intake can prevent weight loss or gain and promote health and wellness.

Choice A reason: Offering the client frozen banana as a snack is an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can help reduce nausea and stimulate appetite. Frozen banana is cold, bland, and easy to digest, which are characteristics of antiemetic foods. Frozen banana also provides potassium, vitamin C, and fiber for the client.

Choice B reason: Serving the client hot meals is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can worsen nausea and vomiting. Hot meals are aromatic, spicy, and greasy, which are characteristics of emetic foods. Hot meals can also irritate the stomach lining and trigger the gag reflex.

Choice C reason: Avoiding serving sauces or gravies is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can cause dehydration and malnutrition. Sauces and gravies are liquid, mild, and moist, which are characteristics of antiemetic foods. Sauces and gravies can also enhance the flavor and texture of bland foods and provide calories and nutrients for the client.

Choice D reason: Discouraging the use of a straw is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can prevent adequate fluid intake and hydration. Using a straw can help the client sip small amounts of clear liquids, such as water, ginger ale, or broth, which are antiemetic fluids. Using a straw can also reduce the exposure to odors and tastes that may cause nausea.