The nurse is preparing educational materials for a client with hypertension. Which dietary changes should the nurse focus when preparing this material?

Question

Select all that apply.
A) Avoiding all sodium in the diet
B) Explaining the effects of sodium on blood pressure
C) Teaching how to read nutritional labels
D) Recognizing foods that are low in sodium
E) Using the DASH eating plan

Answer 1

Answer: B, C, D, E

Sodium is important in the diet, and not all sodium should be avoided; however, in some people, an increase in sodium intake leads to fluid retention and increases blood pressure. The nurse should prepare to teach the client how to read nutritional labels, how to identify foods that are low in sodium, and the DASH eating plan.