A client tells the nurse that fresh fruit should be eaten only on an e

A client tells the nurse that fresh fruit should be eaten only on an empty stomach, as it will cause other foods to ferment in the stomach. The nurse realizes this client’s nutritional status is influenced by

1. lifestyle.
2. culture.
3. beliefs about food.
4. religious practices.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Certain lifestyles are linked to food-related behaviors. People who are always in a hurry probably buy convenience grocery items or eat restaurant meals. People who spend many hours at home might take time to prepare more meals “from scratch.”
Rationale 2: Ethnicity often determines food preferences. Traditional foods are still eaten long after other customs are abandoned.
Rationale 3: Beliefs about the effects of foods on health and well-being can affect food choices. Many people acquire their beliefs about food from television, magazines, and other media. Food fads that involve nontraditional food practices are relatively common.
Rationale 4: Religious practice also affects diet. In some religions, meat is avoided on certain days. In some faiths, meat, tea, coffee, and/or alcohol are prohibited.