A nurse is teaching a client who has celiac disease about gluten-free foods. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: Navy beans and ham are good sources of potassium, which can help prevent hypokalemia, a common side effect of some diuretics. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Choice B reason: Cheddar cheese is high in sodium, which can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure. Sodium intake should be limited when taking diuretics, as they can also cause hyponatremia, a condition of low sodium levels in the blood.

Choice C reason: Beef broth is also high in sodium, which can have the same effects as cheddar cheese. In addition, beef broth is high in purines, which can increase uric acid levels and cause gout, another possible side effect of some diuretics.

Choice D reason: Baked potato is high in carbohydrates, which can raise blood glucose levels and worsen diabetes, a risk factor for hypertension. Some diuretics can also cause hyperglycemia, a condition of high blood glucose levels in the blood.

Choice A reason: Dietary restrictions will not eventually allow the intake of gluten to resume. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and some oats. It causes damage to the small intestine in people with celiac disease. The only treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet.

Choice B reason: This condition may cause secondary lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is broken down by an enzyme called lactase in the small intestine. People with celiac disease may have reduced levels of lactase due to the damage to the small intestine caused by gluten. This can lead to lactose intolerance, which is the inability to digest lactose properly. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming dairy products.

Choice C reason: Nutritional therapy for this condition does not include limiting proteins and calories. People with celiac disease need adequate amounts of proteins and calories to maintain their health and prevent malnutrition. They also need to ensure that they get enough vitamins, minerals, and fiber from gluten-free sources.

Choice D reason: A normal diet cannot resume after a period of remission. Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that does not have a cure. Even if the symptoms improve or disappear, the damage to the small intestine can still occur if gluten is consumed. Therefore, a strict gluten-free diet must be followed for life.