Which information should a nurse include when teaching about promoting optimum nutrition in preschool-aged children?

The emphasis on an average calorie intake of 1800 calories per day for preschool-aged children is aligned with dietary guidelines that suggest this amount supports their rapid growth and high energy needs. Preschool children, generally aged between 3 to 5 years, are very active, and their nutritional requirements adapt to their growth patterns during this critical developmental stage.

A daily caloric intake of around 1800 calories ensures that they receive sufficient energy to support not just physical activity but also cognitive development and overall health. This recommendation is informed by numerous health organizations, focusing on providing a balanced diet that includes enough calories from various food groups to meet their nutritional needs.

In relation to the other choices, it's important to understand that while saturated fat intake needs to be managed, recommending it to be 20% of total calorie intake may not be considered optimal. The typical guidance suggests lower percentages for saturated fats in children's diets. Aiming for only 2 servings of fruits and vegetables per day underestimates the recommended intake, which is generally higher to meet the nutritional needs for vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Ensuring adequate protein intake is crucial, but stating a level of merely 8 grams per day is insufficient for preschoolers, who typically require more protein to support tissue growth