The nurse is assessing a patient prior to surgery for oral cancer. Which of the following would be considered a risk factor for the development of this disease?

A. Oral feeding supplements are often included in the care plan for clients with malnutrition. They provide additional calories and nutrients that can help improve the client's nutritional status and support recovery. This is an appropriate prescription.
B. Daily weights are essential in monitoring the client’s fluid status and overall nutritional progress.
Weight changes can indicate improvements or worsening of the client’s condition, particularly in cases
of malnutrition or fluid retention. This is a valuable prescription.
C. A low protein diet is generally not appropriate for a client with anemia and malnutrition. Protein is essential for healing, maintaining muscle mass, and overall health. Instead, the care plan should emphasize adequate protein intake to support recovery and address nutritional deficiencies.
D. Monitoring pre-albumin levels is crucial in assessing the client's nutritional status. Pre-albumin is a sensitive marker for protein status and can help gauge the effectiveness of nutritional interventions. This is an important prescription to include.
E. Keeping a calorie count helps assess the client's intake and ensure that they are receiving adequate nutrition. This information is vital for adjusting the dietary plan as needed to meet the client’s caloric and nutritional needs. Therefore, this is a relevant prescription.

A. Elevating the head of the bed is a recommended practice for individuals with GERD, as it helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep. This shows the patient is taking proactive steps to manage their condition.
B. Using antacids can provide symptomatic relief from heartburn and discomfort associated with GERD. Taking them between meals and at bedtime can help neutralize stomach acid, which is a common practice for managing GERD symptoms.
C. Eating large meals, especially rich or fatty foods, and snacking before bedtime can exacerbate GERD symptoms by increasing stomach pressure and acid production. Patients with GERD are typically advised to eat smaller meals and avoid eating close to bedtime to reduce reflux episodes.
D. Chewing gum can actually be beneficial for some GERD patients as it stimulates saliva production, which can help neutralize stomach acid.