A nurse is teaching a client who has hyperlipidemia and a new prescription for atorvastatin. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following foods?

A. Legumes: Legumes, such as beans and lentils, are rich in protein but do not contain all nine essential amino acids in sufficient amounts, making them incomplete proteins. To achieve a complete amino acid profile, legumes must be combined with other protein sources, such as grains. Therefore, legumes are not classified as complete proteins on their own.
B. Eggs: Eggs are a high-quality source of protein and contain all nine essential amino acids in the appropriate proportions needed by the human body. They are considered one of the most biologically complete protein sources and are often used as the reference standard for evaluating protein quality in other foods.
C. Poultry: Poultry, such as chicken and turkey, provides all the essential amino acids required for protein synthesis in the body. It is classified as a complete protein and is a valuable source of high-quality animal protein in the human diet. Poultry supports tissue repair, immune function, and muscle maintenance.
D. Grains: Grains like rice, wheat, and oats contain some essential amino acids but lack others, such as lysine, making them incomplete proteins. To form a complete protein, grains need to be eaten in combination with other sources, such as legumes. Alone, they do not fulfill the criteria for a complete protein.
E. Nuts: Nuts are rich in healthy fats and protein, but they do not contain all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities. Like legumes and grains, nuts are incomplete proteins and must be combined with other plant-based foods to form a complete protein profile. Therefore, they are not included as complete proteins in this context.

A. 120 mL (4 oz) sugar-free soda: Sugar-free soda does not contain carbohydrates or glucose, which are necessary to treat hypoglycemia. It is sweetened with artificial sweeteners that do not raise blood glucose levels. Offering this would not correct a hypoglycemic episode and could result in worsening symptoms.
B. Three saltine crackers:Three saltine crackers contain only about 6–7 grams of carbohydrates, which is not enough to effectively manage mild hypoglycemia. A total of 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates is needed to raise blood glucose to a safe level. While crackers are useful for long-term blood sugar stabilization, they are not sufficient for initial correction.
C. 120 mL (4 oz) fruit juice: Fruit juice is a fast-acting carbohydrate and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, making it effective for treating mild hypoglycemia. Four ounces of juice typically contain approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates, meeting the recommended amount for correcting low blood glucose promptly.
D. Three pieces of hard candy: While hard candy can be used to treat hypoglycemia, three small pieces usually provide only about 9–12 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the brand and size. This may be inadequate to raise blood glucose effectively. The client would likely need 4–5 pieces to meet the 15-gram threshold.