The nurse is counseling a client undergoing chemotherapy. The client h

The nurse is counseling a client undergoing chemotherapy. The client has shared with the nurse that the client does not have much of an appetite and is worried about not getting enough nutri-ents.

Which of the following statements by the nurse addresses the client’s concerns?
1. “Let me share information regarding how a high-calorie diet can help prevent you from losing weight.”
2. “Let me share information about high-nutrient-density foods to help you make choices.”
3. “You need to avoid carbohydrates in your diet.”
4. “Your body needs a lot of protein right now to prevent muscle loss.”

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Foods are sometimes described according to their nutrient density, the proportion of essential nutrients to the number of kilocalories. High-nutrient-density foods, such as fruits and vegeta-bles, provide a large number of nutrients in relationship to kilocalories. The client did not express a concern about weight loss but is asking about nutrition. Protein provides energy, but because of protein’s essential role in growth, maintenance, and repair, a diet needs to provide adequate kilo-calories from nonprotein sources. Each gram of carbohydrate produces 4 kcal and serves as the main source of fuel (glucose) for the brain, skeletal muscles during exercise, erythrocyte and leu-kocyte production, and cell function of the renal medulla. When there is sufficient carbohydrate in the diet to meet the energy needs of the body, protein is spared as an energy source.