A nurse is teaching a group of clients who are at risk for heart disease about decreasing saturated fats in their diet. Which of the following fats should the nurse recommend the clients use when cooking?

The nurse should include the instruction to "allow the toddler to feed himself" in the teaching. Allowing toddlers to self-feed promotes independence and helps develop their fine motor skills.

It also allows them to explore different textures and tastes of food, which can contribute to their overall development and acceptance of a variety of foods.

"Set meal times immediately after physical activity": It is not necessary to schedule meals immediately after physical activity. It is more important to focus on regular meal and snack times throughout the day to ensure the toddler's nutritional needs are met.

"Avoid snacks between meals": Snacks are an important part of a toddler's diet as they have small stomachs and may not be able to consume enough food during regular meal times.

Nutritious snacks can provide additional energy and nutrients to support their growth and development. However, it is important to choose healthy snacks and avoid excessive consumption of sugary or high-calorie snacks.

"Provide different food for the toddler than the parents": It is generally recommended to offer the same types of healthy foods to both the toddler and the rest of the family. This helps promote family meals and exposes the child to a variety of flavors and textures. However, the food may need to be prepared or served in a way that is suitable for the toddler's age and developmental stage (e.g., cut into small pieces or mashed).

Check for gastric residual: Gastric residual refers to the volume of formula or contents in the stomach before the next feeding. Checking for gastric residual helps determine if the client is tolerating the feeding properly. If the gastric residual is high, it may indicate delayed gastric emptying or intolerance to the feeding, which can lead to cramping and abdominal distention. The nurse can assess the gastric residual volume and consult with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of action.

Apply low intermittent suction: Applying low intermittent suction is not typically indicated for a client receiving a continuous enteral tube feeding. Suction is more commonly used for clients who have an aspiration risk or need intermittent gastric decompression. In the given scenario, the client is experiencing cramping and abdominal distention, which may require a different approach.

Request a higher-fat formula: Requesting a higher-fat formula may not be the appropriate action at this time. High-fat formulas can contribute to gastrointestinal issues such as increased risk of diarrhea or malabsorption. It is important to assess the client's tolerance to the current formula before considering changes.

Increase the rate of the feeding: Increasing the rate of the feeding may worsen the client's symptoms. Rapid administration of enteral feedings can overwhelm the gastrointestinal system and lead to complications such as cramping, distention, and diarrhea. It is generally recommended to start at a low rate and gradually increase it based on the client's tolerance.