Question

The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with heart failure preparing to leave the following day. What type of diet should the nurse request the dietitian to discuss with the client?

1) Low-potassium diet
2) Low-sodium diet
3) Low-cholesterol diet
4) Low-fat diet

Answer 1

The nurse should request the dietitian to discuss a low-sodium diet with the client who has heart failure. This diet can help reduce fluid buildup and manage the symptoms of heart failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should request the dietitian to discuss a low-sodium diet with the client who has heart failure. Heart failure causes the heart to be unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can lead to fluid retention and increased pressure in the blood vessels, resulting in a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other tissues.

A low-sodium diet helps reduce fluid buildup by limiting the amount of sodium (salt) consumed. This can help manage the symptoms of heart failure and prevent further complications. The dietitian can provide specific guidelines on how much sodium the client should consume daily and offer strategies for reducing sodium intake.

In addition to a low-sodium diet, it may also be beneficial for the client to follow a low-cholesterol diet and low-fat diet. These dietary modifications can help manage other risk factors associated with heart disease, such as high cholesterol and obesity.