A nurse is teaching about food choices to a client who has chronic kidney disease and must limit potassium intake.

Which of the following choices should the nurse recommend as containing the least potassium?

“Weight loss of.8 kg (4 Ib) in the past 24 hr.” Furosemide is a diuretic that decreases the pressure caused by excess fluid in the heart and lungs.
A weight loss of.8 kg (4 Ib) in the past 24 hr indicates that excess fluid is being removed from the body, which is a sign that the medication is effective.
Choice A is incorrect because adventitious breath sounds are a symptom of pulmonary edema, not an indication that the medication is effective.
Choice B is incorrect because furosemide has direct vasodilatory outcomes 2, which would decrease blood pressure, not elevate it.
Choice D is incorrect because there is no information found to support this statement.

The correct answer is: b. “I apply a lubricating lotion to the cracked areas on the soles of my feet every morning.”

Choice A reason: Elevating the feet for long periods is not generally recommended for clients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). This is because elevation can decrease arterial blood flow to the feet, which is already compromised in PAD. The goal is to promote blood flow to the extremities, and elevation might work against this, especially if done for extended periods.

Choice B reason: Applying a lubricating lotion to the feet, particularly on the soles where the skin can become very dry and cracked, is beneficial for someone with PAD. It helps to maintain skin integrity and prevent skin breakdown, which can lead to serious complications due to the reduced blood flow and healing capacity in PAD.

Choice C reason: Soaking the feet in hot water is not advisable for individuals with PAD. They may have reduced sensation in their feet due to poor circulation, which increases the risk of burns from hot water. Additionally, prolonged soaking can lead to maceration of the skin, making it more susceptible to injury and infection.

Choice D reason: Using a heating pad, even on a low setting, to keep the feet warm is risky for clients with PAD. Due to decreased sensation from poor circulation, there is a danger of burns because the client may not feel how hot the heating pad is. It’s better to wear warm socks or use room temperature control to keep the feet warm.