A nurse is teaching a client who is on a low-sodium diet. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
A.
Limit intake of canned soups.
B.
Choose botled salad dressings.
C.
Choose diet sodas over botled water.
D.
Replace processed meats with fresh meat products.
E.
Read labels on foods before eating.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answers are:
- A. Limit intake of canned soups.
- D. Replace processed meats with fresh meat products.
- E. Read labels on foods before eating.
Explanation:
A low-sodium diet is essential for clients with conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, or kidney disease, as it helps to prevent fluid retention and manage blood pressure. The nurse should provide practical instructions that guide the client toward reducing their sodium intake while maintaining a balanced diet.
A. Limit intake of canned soups:
Canned soups are typically high in sodium because salt is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. Many processed or pre-packaged foods, like canned soups, contain large amounts of sodium that can quickly exceed daily recommended limits (usually 1,500 to 2,300 mg per day for most individuals). The nurse should advise clients to either avoid these products or choose low-sodium alternatives.
D. Replace processed meats with fresh meat products:
Processed meats such as ham, bacon, sausages, and deli meats are often preserved with high amounts of sodium to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. Replacing these meats with fresh options like chicken, turkey, or beef helps reduce sodium intake. Fresh meats generally contain much less sodium compared to processed meats.
E. Read labels on foods before eating:
Food labels provide critical information about sodium content. The nurse should instruct the client to read labels to make informed choices about their diet. Foods labeled “low sodium” contain less than 140 mg of sodium per serving, while “reduced sodium” means that the product contains 25% less sodium than the regular version.
Incorrect choices:
B. Choose bottled salad dressings:
Bottled salad dressings are often high in sodium. Clients should be encouraged to make their own dressings using ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and herbs, which provide flavor without excess sodium.
C. Choose diet sodas over bottled water:
Diet sodas can contain sodium or other additives, while water is sodium-free. The best option for hydration is plain water, as it contains no added sodium or calories.
Educating clients on practical steps like these promotes a successful transition to a low-sodium diet, ultimately improving health outcomes.