Question

To minimize complications from hypokalemia, the nurse should instruct the patient to include which of the following foods as a part of his diet?

1) Cheese and crackers
2) Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
3) Tomatoes and spinach
4) d. Apples and grapes

Answer 1

To minimize complications from hypokalemia, a patient should include potassium-rich foods such as tomatoes and spinach in their diet. Other foods that are high in potassium include bananas, orange juice, potatoes, and meats such as chicken and beef. Ensuring a balanced diet with ample fruits and vegetables, and monitoring salt and sugar intake, can also help manage potassium levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

To minimize complications from hypokalemia, it's important to include foods in your diet that are high in potassium. The patient should be instructed to consume foods such as tomatoes and spinach, which are rich in potassium. These foods help restore the body's potassium balance and prevent the symptoms associated with low potassium levels. Increasing potassium intake can be particularly important for patients experiencing an absolute reduction of potassium due to causes like vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased intake.

Other excellent sources of potassium include bananas, orange juice, potatoes, chicken, beef, liver, lima beans, and whole grains. These items provide substantial amounts of potassium, which aids in protein biosynthesis and is critical for enzyme activity, such as that of the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase.

Making healthy food choices that include a variety of fruits and vegetables, limiting salt and sugar intake, and choosing whole fruits over juices are all dietary adjustments that can help ensure an adequate intake of potassium and other essential nutrients.