Final answer:
The CDM should engage in a respectful conversation with the client to explain the dietary restrictions and potential health consequences. It is important to find a balance and provide education, while also considering acceptable alternatives that meet the client's nutritional needs. If non-compliance continues, the CDM should document the instances and seek further guidance.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a client using a selective menu insists on ordering food that is not on her diet, the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) should first address the situation by engaging in a respectful conversation with the client. The CDM should explain why the dietary restrictions are in place and the potential health implications of straying from the prescribed diet. It's important to listen to the client's preferences and concerns and see if there are acceptable alternatives that satisfy both the client's desires and dietary needs.
Education about the importance of adhering to the diet may be necessary, and in some cases, the CDM may need to collaborate with a registered dietitian or the client's healthcare provider to determine if there is flexibility within the diet or to develop a compromise that meets the client's nutritional requirements without causing harm.
The goal is always to find a balance between respecting the client's autonomy and ensuring their health and safety. If the client continues to request off-diet items, the CDM should document the requests and conversations and ensure that appropriate nutritional guidance is provided. In certain healthcare settings, a client's insistence on non-compliant food choices might become a matter for ethical consideration, policy review, or clinical team discussion.