A male client with coronary heart disease is informed by the healthcare provider that his cholesterol levels are significantly elevated and he needs to change his diet and lifestyle. The client emphatically states that he is not going to change his eating habits. What action should the nurse implement in response to the client’s unwillingness to comply with the recommendations?
A Refer the client to a dietitian for nutrition education.
B Provide pamphlets about heart-healthy diet selections.
C Suggest exercise as an alternative to increase HDL levels.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct action for the nurse to implement in response to the client’s unwillingness to change his eating habits is:
A. Refer the client to a dietitian for nutrition education.
Explanation:
When a client is resistant to changing their eating habits, it is crucial to address the issue by providing specialized support tailored to their needs. In this case, referring the client to a dietitian is a proactive step because dietitians are trained to offer personalized nutrition education and counseling. They can work with the client to address specific dietary concerns, explore the reasons behind their reluctance, and provide tailored strategies that might make dietary changes more acceptable or manageable for the client.
Here’s why this approach is beneficial:
- Expert Guidance: Dietitians have expertise in managing cholesterol levels through diet. They can provide evidence-based recommendations and practical advice that might be more persuasive and relevant than general information.
- Personalization: A dietitian can create a personalized plan that considers the client’s preferences, lifestyle, and specific health needs. This individualized approach can help in addressing barriers to dietary changes and finding realistic solutions.
- Behavioral Support: Dietitians can offer behavioral strategies to overcome resistance and help the client set achievable goals. They can provide motivation and support that might be lacking in general educational materials.
Comparing the Other Options:
- B. Provide pamphlets about heart-healthy diet selections: While this might provide useful information, pamphlets alone are often insufficient to overcome resistance or provide the personalized support needed for making significant lifestyle changes.
- C. Suggest exercise as an alternative to increase HDL levels: Exercise is indeed beneficial for heart health and can increase HDL cholesterol. However, it does not address the core issue of elevated cholesterol levels related to diet. Relying solely on exercise might not be sufficient if dietary changes are also necessary.
In summary, referring the client to a dietitian ensures that they receive expert, personalized advice and support, which can help overcome resistance and promote better adherence to dietary recommendations.