Question

A patient with ESKD is scheduled to begin hemodialysis. The nurse is working with the patient to adapt the patients diet to maximize the therapeutic effect and minimize the risks of complications. The patients diet should include which of the following modifications? Select all that apply.

A) Decreased protein intake
B) Decreased sodium intake
C) Increased potassium intake
D) Fluid restriction
E) Vitamin D supplementation

Answer 1

ESKD patients on hemodialysis should modify their diet by decreasing protein and sodium intake, as well as restricting fluid intake.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's diet should include the following modifications:

• Decreased protein intake: This is because patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) have compromised kidney function and are unable to excrete protein waste effectively. Limiting protein intake helps reduce the workload on the kidneys.
• Decreased sodium intake: High sodium levels can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure, which can further damage the kidneys. Lowering sodium intake helps manage fluid balance and blood pressure.
• Fluid restriction: ESKD patients may have impaired fluid excretion, so limiting fluid intake helps prevent fluid overload, which can strain the already compromised kidneys.

Increased potassium intake is typically not recommended for ESKD patients on hemodialysis due to the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), as the diseased kidneys cannot remove excess potassium effectively. Therefore, potassium intake often needs to be carefully controlled.