Question

A client with hypertension has been told to maintain a diet low in sodium. The nurse who is teaching this client about foods that are allowed should include which food item in a list provided to the client?

a) Canned soups
b) Fresh fruits
c) Salted nuts
d) Processed cheeses

Answer 1

The nurse should include fresh fruits in the dietary recommendations for a client with hypertension seeking to maintain a low sodium diet. Fresh fruits are naturally low in sodium and a healthy choice, unlike canned soups, salted nuts, or processed cheeses, which can have higher sodium content.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a client with hypertension needing to follow a diet low in sodium, the nurse should recommend including fresh fruits in the client's diet. Fresh fruits are naturally low in sodium and do not contain the added salts found in canned soups, salted nuts, or processed cheeses. A diet that de-emphasizes processed foods and emphasizes whole foods can help to lower sodium intake as processed foods tend to be much higher in sodium due to additives such as sodium chloride.

To maintain a healthy diet and manage hypertension, it is essential to compare the sodium content in foods and choose those with lower levels. Additionally, a healthy diet should limit saturated fats, limit extra sugars, and increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Total sodium intake should be less than 2300 mg/day, according to current dietary guidelines, and individuals are encouraged to start checking food labels for sodium content to ensure that they are making choices that fit within these parameters.