A nurse is teaching a client who has hypertension. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply)
A.
“I will use olive oil and vinegar as dressing for my salads.”
B.
“I can snack on low-calorie crackers between meals.”
C.
“I should limit the amount of processed cheese in my diet.”
D.
“I will buy frozen dinners four times a week to balance my diet.”
E.
“I should cook my pasta without putting salt in the boiling water.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answers are A, C, and E.
Explanation:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often requires dietary modifications to manage and reduce blood pressure levels effectively. The statements indicating an understanding of hypertension management are:
A. “I will use olive oil and vinegar as dressing for my salads.”
Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that contains monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and potentially reduce blood pressure. Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, is also considered beneficial as it may help with blood sugar control. Choosing these over higher-fat or higher-sodium dressings is a positive dietary change for someone with hypertension.
C. “I should limit the amount of processed cheese in my diet.”
Processed cheese is typically high in sodium, which can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Sodium promotes fluid retention, which increases blood volume and puts extra pressure on blood vessel walls. Reducing sodium intake is a crucial part of managing hypertension, so limiting processed cheese aligns with this dietary goal.
E. “I should cook my pasta without putting salt in the boiling water.”
Cooking pasta without adding salt helps reduce sodium intake. Sodium in the diet can contribute to increased blood pressure by causing the body to retain water. Avoiding additional salt in cooking and seasoning foods minimally are effective strategies for controlling hypertension.
B. “I can snack on low-calorie crackers between meals.”
While low-calorie crackers might be lower in calories, they can still be high in sodium. Therefore, this statement does not necessarily reflect an understanding of the need to limit sodium intake. It’s important to select snacks that are low in sodium and high in nutrients.
D. “I will buy frozen dinners four times a week to balance my diet.”
Many frozen dinners are high in sodium and may not align with dietary recommendations for managing hypertension. Regular consumption of these meals can contribute to elevated sodium intake, making this an inappropriate choice for someone managing high blood pressure.
In summary, choices A, C, and E reflect a good understanding of dietary changes necessary to manage hypertension, primarily by focusing on reducing sodium intake and incorporating healthier fats.