A client who is recovering from surgery has been ordered a change from a clear liquid diet to a full liquid diet. The nurse would offer which full liquid item to client?

Correct Answer: D. Custard

Full liquid food items include items such as plain ice cream, sherbet, breakfast drinks, milk, pudding, and custard, soups that are strained, refined cooked cereals, and strained vegetable juices. A full liquid diet is made up only of fluids and foods that are normally liquid and foods that turn to liquid when they are at room temperature, like ice cream.

• Option A: A clear liquid diet is a specific dietary plan that only includes liquids that are fully transparent at room temperature. Some items that may be allowed include water, ice, fruit juices without pulp, sports drinks, carbonated drinks, gelatin, tea, coffee, clear broths, and clear ice pops.
• Option B: Carbonated beverages are part of a clear liquid diet. Items can have color as long as they are transparent. Items such as milk and orange juice are not considered clear liquids because they are not fully transparent and may take more effort for the digestive system to break down, whereas grape juice is allowed (it is pigmented, but fully transparent).
• Option C: Gelatin is a clear liquid diet. The clear liquid diet assists in maintaining hydration, provides electrolytes and calories, and offers some level of satiety when a full diet is not appropriate, but may struggle to provide adequate caloric needs if employed for more than five days.