The nurse is caring for a client in a catabolic state following major surgery and complications that developed as a result of the surgery. The nurse will assist in planning for food intake by:

Question

1. Weighing the client.
2. Suggesting the client select eggs rather than oatmeal for breakfast.
3. Meeting with the spouse and finding out the client's favorite foods.
4. Telling the client that caloric intake should go up about 10% each day until complete healing is achieved.

Answer 1

2
Rationale: The most immediate need of a client who is in a catabolic state following surgery is increased protein. The easiest way to achieve that is by suggesting high-protein foods when they can be substituted for another choice. The nurse should already be weighing the client daily, but that information will not lead the nurse to develop a plan for increased protein. It is important to keep a spouse informed and to gather data to contribute to the nutritional or nursing care plans, but favorite foods are not necessarily high-protein foods. The most important thing for this client is extra protein, not increasing caloric intake by a certain percentage.