A nurse is teaching a parent about appropriate snack choices for her 9-month-old infant. Which of the following food choices should the nurse recommend?

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: Tuna can is not a safe food choice for a client who has food allergies because it may contain traces of other fish or shellfish that can trigger an allergic reaction. Tuna can should be avoided or checked for allergen labels before consuming.

Choice B reason: Gravy beef is not a safe food choice for a client who has food allergies because it may contain gluten, soy, or dairy products that can trigger an allergic reaction. Gravy beef should be avoided or checked for allergen labels before consuming.

Choice C reason: Apple pie is a safe food choice for a client who has food allergies because it is unlikely to contain common allergens, such as nuts, eggs, or milk. Apple pie is made from cooked apples, sugar, flour, and butter, which are low-risk ingredients for food allergies. Apple pie should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer after cooling to prevent spoilage.

Choice D reason: Bread is not a safe food choice for a client who has food allergies because it may contain gluten, wheat, or sesame seeds that can trigger an allergic reaction. Bread should be avoided or checked for allergen labels before consuming.