Question

A nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client who has COPD. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

a.Eat at least three well-proportioned, large meals a day.
b.Drink low-protein, low-calorie nutrition formulas between meals.
c.Avoid adding gravies and sauces to foods.
d.Consume foods that are soft in texture and easy to chew.

Answer 1

For a client with COPD, a nurse should suggest dietary modifications that include smaller, frequent meals, high-calorie and high-protein foods, potentially adding gravies and sauces for additional calories, and choosing soft, easy-to-chew items that reduce the effort of eating.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse providing dietary teaching for a client with COPD should include instructions that help the client maintain a balanced diet while addressing the specific health challenges associated with COPD. Important dietary considerations involve controlling calorie intake to avoid excessive weight gain, which can exacerbate breathing difficulties.

Recommended Dietary Instructions Include:

• Encourage eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid fullness that can interfere with breathing.
• Advocate for high-calorie, high-protein nutrition to maintain muscle strength and support lung function.
• Recommend adding gravies and sauces to foods if they do not introduce excessive amounts of sodium or sugar, as they can improve calorie intake for those with diminished appetite.
• Suggest consuming foods that are soft in texture and easy to chew to minimize the effort associated with eating.

It is also vital for individuals with COPD to drink adequate fluids, which help keep mucus secretions thin and more manageable. However, fluid intake should be monitored as too much can lead to a feeling of fullness that could impede breathing.