A nurse is assisting in the selection of food for a client who has hyperkalemia. Which of the following foods should the nurse avoid selecting as it contains the greatest amount of potassium?

Choice Areason: Increasing phosphorus intake is not advisable for clients with chronic kidney disease, as they may have hyperphosphatemia, a condition of high phosphorus levels in the blood. Hyperphosphatemia can cause bone loss, calcification of soft tissues, and itching.

Choice Breason: Increasing potassium intake is not advisable for clients with chronic kidney disease, as they may have hyperkalemia, a condition of high potassium levels in the blood. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, and cardiac arrest.

Choice C reason: Limiting protein intake is advisable for clients with chronic kidney disease, as protein metabolism produces urea, which is excreted by the kidneys. High protein intake can increase the workload and damage of the kidneys, and cause uremia, a condition of high urea levels in the blood. Uremia can cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and mental confusion.

Choice D reason: Limiting calcium intake is not advisable for clients with chronic kidney disease, as they may have hypocalcemia, a condition of low calcium levels in the blood. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle spasms, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Choice A reason: Offering the client frozen banana as a snack is an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can help reduce nausea and stimulate appetite. Frozen banana is cold, bland, and easy to digest, which are characteristics of antiemetic foods. Frozen banana also provides potassium, vitamin C, and fiber for the client.

Choice B reason: Serving the client hot meals is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can worsen nausea and vomiting. Hot meals are aromatic, spicy, and greasy, which are characteristics of emetic foods. Hot meals can also irritate the stomach lining and trigger the gag reflex.

Choice C reason: Avoiding serving sauces or gravies is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can cause dehydration and malnutrition. Sauces and gravies are liquid, mild, and moist, which are characteristics of antiemetic foods. Sauces and gravies can also enhance the flavor and texture of bland foods and provide calories and nutrients for the client.

Choice D reason: Discouraging the use of a straw is not an appropriate intervention for the nurse to take because it can prevent adequate fluid intake and hydration. Using a straw can help the client sip small amounts of clear liquids, such as water, ginger ale, or broth, which are antiemetic fluids. Using a straw can also reduce the exposure to odors and tastes that may cause nausea.