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The client says to the nurse "My doctor said I can't have fried chicken anymore because I have heart disease. I've eaten it all my life and am fine except for some indigestion lately." What is the best response by the nurse?

1. "Your indigestion is an indication that your body cannot tolerate fatty foods; this causes an increased workload for your heart."
2. "Your indigestion could actually be chest pain caused by narrowed coronary arteries; you will need a low-fat diet."
3. "Did your doctor mention exercise? That is the most important lifestyle change to slow the progression of your heart disease."
4. "Fried chicken is actually okay, but you must be very careful with the type of fat that you fry the chicken in."

User Manshu
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The nurse should explain that the client's indigestion might be chest pain related to heart disease, highlighting the importance of a low-fat diet and making healthy lifestyle choices to manage cholesterol and saturated fat intake for better heart health.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client mentioned that they were fine except for some indigestion, which they have related to their consumption of fried chicken. When approaching the subject of dietary changes due to heart disease, it is important to address the patient's concerns in a compassionate and informative manner. The best response by the nurse that offers appropriate guidance regarding diet and its relation to heart disease would be:

"Your indigestion could actually be chest pain caused by narrowed coronary arteries; you will need a low-fat diet."

This response informs the patient that indigestion symptoms might be related to their heart condition, particularly if the coronary arteries are narrowed, which can be aggravated by a diet high in saturated fat. It also emphasizes the importance of adhering to a low-fat diet, which is crucial in managing heart disease. Educating the patient on the risks associated with high levels of cholesterol and saturated fats, found in foods like fried chicken, can motivate them to make healthier choices to manage their condition.

Moreover, the nurse could further explain that diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol have been linked to atherosclerosis, leading to heart disease, which is a significant health concern. Therefore, dietary advice is of utmost importance. Advising on healthy eating habits like consuming smaller portions, choosing lean meats and fish, and selecting unsaturated vegetable oils instead of saturated fats will benefit the patient's heart health.

User WilomGfx
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