A nurse is caring for a client who has a pressure injury and is assessing the client's dietary intake. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as a barrier to wound healing?

Choice A reason: The standard DASH diet limits sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams per day, which is about the amount of sodium in 1 teaspoon of table salt¹. A lower sodium version of DASH restricts sodium to 1,500 milligrams per day, which may lower blood pressure even further¹. Therefore, limiting sodium intake to 3,200 milligrams per day is not consistent with the DASH diet.

Choice B reason: The DASH diet recommends eating fewer refined carbohydrates and less sugar, as they can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels². Instead, the DASH diet emphasizes eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are rich in fiber, potassium, calcium, and magnesium².

Choice C reason: The DASH diet encourages consuming foods that are high in calcium, such as fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, beans, and nuts¹. Calcium is a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and supports bone health³. Studies have shown that increasing calcium intake can lower blood pressure in people with hypertension³.

Choice D reason: The DASH diet advises limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils¹. Saturated fat can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The DASH diet recommends consuming no more than six percent of total calories from saturated fat¹.

Choice A reason: Increased glucose levels are not a positive outcome of the client's interventions, but rather a sign of impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The Mediterranean diet can help lower glucose levels by providing complex carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats, which can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.

Choice B reason: Increased HDL levels are a positive outcome of the client's interventions, as HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein, which is the "good" cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries and protect against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The Mediterranean diet can help increase HDL levels by providing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish, which can boost HDL production and function.

Choice C reason: Increased LDL levels are not a positive outcome of the client's interventions, but rather a sign of increased cholesterol deposition and inflammation in the arteries, which can lead to plaque formation and cardiovascular disease. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, which is the "bad" cholesterol that carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells. The Mediterranean diet can help lower LDL levels by providing antioxidants, fiber, and plant sterols, which can reduce LDL synthesis and oxidation.

Choice D reason: Increased triglyceride levels are not a positive outcome of the client's interventions, but rather a sign of increased fat storage and metabolic syndrome, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in the blood and provides energy to the cells. The Mediterranean diet can help lower triglyceride levels by providing omega-3 fatty acids, which can modulate triglyceride synthesis and breakdown.