A nurse is providing teaching about the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet to a client who has hypertension. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Consume ten percent of total calories from saturated fat is not a correct instruction for the DASH diet. The DASH diet recommends limiting saturated fat intake to less than six percent of total calories, as saturated fat can raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

Choice B reason: Consume foods that are high in calcium is a correct instruction for the DASH diet. The DASH diet emphasizes eating foods that are rich in calcium, such as low-fat dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals. Calcium helps regulate blood pressure and prevent osteoporosis.

Choice C reason: Increase intake of refined carbohydrates is not a correct instruction for the DASH diet. The DASH diet advises reducing intake of refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice, and sweets. Refined carbohydrates can increase blood sugar and insulin levels and contribute to obesity and diabetes.

Choice D reason: Limit sodium intake to 3,200 milligrams per day is not a correct instruction for the DASH diet. The DASH diet recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, or even lower to 1,500 milligrams per day for some people. Sodium can increase blood pressure and fluid retention and damage the kidneys and blood vessels.

Choice A reason: Recommending a total fiber intake of 12 g each day is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it is too low for most adults. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA. for fiber is 25 g per day for women and 38 g per day for men, which can help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and promote bowel health.

Choice B reason: Referring the client to a weight-loss support group is an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it can help the client achieve and maintain a healthy weight. A body mass index (BMI) of 28 indicates overweight, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. A weight-loss support group can provide education, motivation, and accountability for the client.

Choice C reason: Advising the client to add 500 calories per day to the diet is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it can lead to weight gain. A client who has a BMI of 28 does not need to increase their caloric intake unless they have other medical conditions or nutritional needs that require more calories. Adding 500 calories per day to the diet can result in gaining about one pound per week, which can worsen the health outcomes of the client.

Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to continue current daily caloric intake is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take because it may prevent weight loss. A client who has a BMI of 28 needs to reduce their caloric intake by 500 to 1,000 calories per day to lose one to two pounds per week, which is considered a safe and effective rate of weight loss.