Final answer:
The least important dietary strategy during chemotherapy for a child is emphasizing grains, fruits, and vegetables, as the focus should be on managing side effects and maintaining calorie and nutrient intake through more easily consumable forms of food like high-calorie shakes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The least important dietary strategy for a 9-year-old boy who is having chemotherapy is A) Emphasizing grains, fruits, and vegetables. This is because during chemotherapy, the primary focus is on managing side effects and ensuring adequate calorie and nutrient intake to support recovery. While a diet rich in grains, fruits, and vegetables can reduce cancer risk in the long-term according to organizations like the American Institute for Cancer Research, during chemotherapy, the child's ability to eat these foods may be reduced due to side effects such as nausea or a decreased appetite.
High-calorie shakes and puddings (C) may be particularly beneficial to provide necessary calories and nutrients in a form that is usually easier to consume and digest when the child's appetite is low. High-fiber foods (B) are crucial if opioids are used, to prevent constipation. Furthermore, if the child experiences diarrhea, which is a common side effect of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy, avoiding milk products (D) can be helpful.