A nurse is reinforcing teaching with an adolescent client who has a new diagnosis of lactose intolerance. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Lactose intolerance results from a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. The primary management strategy is to reduce or eliminate dietary sources of lactose. Rice milk is naturally lactose-free and is an appropriate substitute for cow's milk, making this the correct teaching point for an adolescent with a new diagnosis. Calcium-fortified orange juice is actually beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance because it provides calcium without any lactose; limiting it would be counterproductive since these clients are already at risk for inadequate calcium intake. Gradually increasing lactose-containing products may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea, and is not a standard recommendation. Flavored yogurt often contains added sugars and is not inherently superior to plain yogurt; in fact, plain yogurt can be better tolerated by some people with lactose intolerance because the active cultures help digest lactose, but telling the client to choose flavored over plain is not evidence-based guidance. Switching to rice milk directly addresses the problem by eliminating lactose from the diet.