A postoperative client has been placed on a clear liquid diet. The nurse provides client with which items are allowed to be consumed on this diet?

Correct Answer: D. Bouillon

A clear liquid diet consists of foods that are relatively transparent to light and liquid at room and body temperature. Foods allowed on the clear liquid diet (bouillon, popsicles, plain gelatin, ice chips, sweetened tea or coffee (no creamer), carbonated beverages, and water). The clear liquid diet assists in maintaining hydration, it 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

• Option A: Vegetable juices are part of a full liquid diet. A patient prescribed a full liquid diet follows a specific diet type requiring all liquids and semi-liquids but no forms of solid intake. Unlike a clear liquid diet, which includes only liquids and semi-liquids that are non-opaque, a full liquid diet is more inclusive, as it allows all types of liquids.
• Option B: Custard is a full liquid diet. Patients not ready for a regular diet due to elective or emergent procedures or who experience irregularity in gastrointestinal function, dysphagia, a transition from prolonged fasted periods, etc., are typically placed on a restrictive diet.
• Option C: Sherbet is a full liquid diet. Dietary restrictions can be as restrictive as no food or liquids allowed by mouth, which may increase in a stepwise fashion until reaching regular nutrition. One step in that progression is a full liquid diet.