A nurse is teaching about denture care to the partner of a client who is unable to perform oral hygiene. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

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: Hypernatremia is not a sign of water intoxication, but rather the opposite condition. Hypernatremia means high sodium levels in the blood, which can occur when the body loses more water than sodium, such as in dehydration, diabetes insipidus, or excessive salt intake. Water intoxication causes hyponatremia, which means low sodium levels in the blood, due to excessive water intake or retention.

Choice B reason: Weak pulses are not a specific sign of water intoxication, but rather a general sign of poor perfusion or circulation. Weak pulses can have many causes, such as hypotension, shock, heart failure, or peripheral vascular disease. Water intoxication can cause hypotension, but it can also cause hypertension, depending on the volume status of the client.

Choice C reason: Muscle weakness is a sign of water intoxication, as it reflects the effect of low sodium levels on the neuromuscular system. Sodium is essential for nerve and muscle function, as it helps generate electrical impulses and contractions. When sodium levels drop too low, the nerves and muscles become less responsive and weaker. Other signs of water intoxication affecting the nervous system include confusion, headache, seizures, and coma.

Choice D reason: Exaggerated reflexes are not a sign of water intoxication, but rather a sign of hyperreflexia, which is a condition of overactive reflexes. Hyperreflexia can have many causes, such as spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or electrolyte imbalance. Water intoxication can cause electrolyte imbalance, but it usually leads to hyporeflexia, which is a condition of reduced or absent reflexes.