The nurse is caring for a young woman who is breastfeeding and will need to increase her intake of calories and protein.
The nurse suggests which foods are healthy sources of protein?

Choice A rationale

Increased hair growth is typically associated with hormonal imbalances, such as an excess of androgens, or certain medications, not generally with undernutrition. Adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining normal hair growth cycles. Nutritional deficiencies often lead to hair thinning or loss, rather than increased growth.

Choice B rationale

A sore, inflamed buccal cavity, also known as stomatitis or mucositis, can be a direct consequence of inadequate nutrition, particularly deficiencies in B vitamins, iron, and vitamin C. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining the health and integrity of the oral mucous membranes. Inflammation and soreness can make eating painful, further contributing to poor nutrient intake.

Choice C rationale

Adequate nutrient or food intake directly contradicts the nursing diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements. This finding would indicate that the patient's nutritional needs are being met, and the diagnosis would be inaccurate. The presence of dysphagia suggests difficulty in achieving adequate intake.

Choice D rationale

A weight within 10% of ideal body weight suggests that the patient's nutritional status is likely adequate, not less than body requirements. While dysphagia can lead to weight loss, a weight within the normal range indicates that the patient has been able to maintain their weight despite potential swallowing difficulties.

Choice A rationale

While saturated fats are part of the body's metabolic processes, their primary negative impact at elevated levels isn't directly interfering with the overall metabolic pathways in a disruptive manner. The issue lies more specifically with their influence on lipid profiles rather than a broad metabolic dysfunction.

Choice B rationale

Saturated fats, primarily found in animal products, have been shown to increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Choice C rationale

Hydrogenation is a process used to solidify unsaturated fats, creating trans fats, which are even more detrimental to cholesterol levels than saturated fats. Saturated fats themselves are naturally solid at room temperature and do not inherently need to be hydrogenated to achieve this state.

Choice D rationale

Saturated fats do not typically block the absorption of essential nutrients. The digestive system is designed to absorb a variety of fats, including saturated fats, along with other nutrients. The primary concern with high intake of saturated fats is their negative impact on blood lipid levels.