The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who is experiencing overwhelming anxiety and difficulty performing self care. Which question should the PN ask first?

• 1. 21 to 24%: The client’s fat intake for the three days totals approximately 69 grams of fat (24g + 22g + 23g), which, when multiplied by 9 calories per gram, equals about 621 calories from fat. Given the total caloric intake of 3,200–3,310 calories per day, fat constitutes approximately 21% to 24% of the total caloric intake, which is within the recommended range for a balanced diet.
• 2. has an appropriate fat intake for calories: The fat intake of 21% to 24% of total calories aligns with the general dietary recommendation, which is for 20% to 35% of total calories to come from fat. Therefore, the client’s fat intake is appropriate and does not require any adjustments.

• 1. 26 to 28%: This percentage would be too high for the client’s daily fat intake. To reach 26% to 28% of calories from fat, the client would need to consume more grams of fat. Based on the actual fat intake (69g), this range is not appropriate.
• 1. 14 to 19%: A fat intake of 14% to 19% would be considered lower than the recommended range, and would suggest the client is consuming too little fat for a balanced diet. Given the actual fat intake, this percentage is not accurate.
• 2. should increase his fat intake: Given that the client’s fat intake is already within the recommended 20%–35% range, there's no need for the client to increase his fat intake. Therefore, this option is not appropriate.
• 2. should reduce his fat intake: Reducing the client’s fat intake is not necessary, as the fat intake falls within the recommended range. A reduction in fat would lower the total percentage of calories from fat below the suggested 20%–35% range, which could be harmful for overall nutrition.
• 2. should decrease his caloric intake: There’s no indication that the client is consuming an excessive amount of calories based on the information provided. His calorie intake seems appropriate for his needs. Decreasing caloric intake isn't necessary, especially when his fat intake is within the normal range.

A. The amount of fluid the client drank today: Although fluid intake affects weight, daily weights are intended to reflect overall fluid and nutritional changes over time, not just today's intake. Monitoring intake is important but not the most critical factor in conducting daily weights consistently.
B. When the client wants to be weighed: While respecting the client's preferences is important for cooperation, clinical accuracy requires consistency in timing and conditions, not simply weighing at the client's preferred time.
C. When the client was last weighed: Knowing when the client was last weighed ensures consistency and accuracy for monitoring trends. Daily weights should be taken at the same time each day, ideally in the morning before eating and after voiding, to accurately track fluid balance and body mass changes.
D. The amount of food the client ate today: Food intake affects weight slightly, but the purpose of daily weights is to detect significant changes, such as fluid retention or loss. Weighing under consistent conditions matters more than focusing on the day's food intake.