Which snack food is best for a client with myasthenia gravis who is at risk for altered nutritional status?

• A. Chocolate pudding
• B. Graham crackers
• C. Sugar free gelatin
• D. Apple slices

Answer: (A)

When someone has myasthenia gravis, swallowing and chewing can be weakened, so the best snack is smooth, easy to swallow, and able to provide calories and protein to prevent nutritional decline. Chocolate pudding fits perfectly: its soft, creamy texture goes down with minimal effort, reducing fatigue of the swallowing muscles. If made with milk, it also adds protein and additional calories, helping maintain weight and nutritional status. The other options are less ideal because they require more chewing or are lower in calories and protein: dry graham crackers are hard to chew, sugar-free gelatin may be very low in energy and protein, and apple slices are fibrous and challenging to swallow, increasing choking risk.