Which food item should be counted when calculating fluid intake for a resident?

When calculating fluid intake for a resident, Jell-o is the correct food item to count. This is because Jell-o has a significant water content, which contributes to the overall fluid intake. Accurate monitoring of fluid intake is crucial in healthcare settings, particularly for residents who may have specific health concerns such as dehydration or fluid retention.

Solid fruits may contain some water, but they are primarily considered solid food and do not provide a sufficient volume of fluid that needs to be counted directly. Crackers and dry cereals are entirely solid and contain little to no water, making them irrelevant when it comes to fluid intake calculations. In contrast, Jell-o is classified as a liquid food because it is gelatinous and mostly made of water, which directly impacts hydration and is typically included in fluid intake assessments.