Which assessment should the home health nurse include during a routine home visit for a client who was discharged home with a suprapubic catheter?

Choice B reason: sodium intake can be regulated by limiting canned foods in the diet. Canned foods often contain high amounts of sodium as a preservative, which can increase blood pressure and fluid retention. The nurse should advise the client to choose fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods or rinse them before eating.

Choice C reason: salt substitutes can help with maintaining a healthy diet by reducing sodium intake. Salt substitutes are products that contain potassium chloride or other ingredients that mimic the taste of salt but have less or no sodium. The nurse should advise the client to use salt substitutes sparingly and check with their healthcare provider before using them if they have kidney problems or take certain medications.

Choice D reason: weight management is promoted by taking daily walks for thirty minutes. Being overweight or obese can increase blood pressure and strain the heart and blood vessels. The nurse should advise the client to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight by engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet.

Choice F reason: uncontrolled hypertension can lead to renal damage. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and impair their function, leading to chronic kidney disease or failure. The nurse should advise the client to monitor their blood pressure regularly and take prescribed medications as directed.

Choice A reason: alcohol consumption can produce vascular changes that increase blood pressure. Alcohol can cause vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure temporarily, but also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which raises blood pressure over time. The nurse should advise the client to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Choice E reason: blood pressure readings should not be taken at noontime. Blood pressure readings should be taken at the same time each day, preferably in the morning before breakfast or in the evening before dinner, when blood pressure is usually lower and more stable. The nurse should advise the client to avoid taking blood pressure readings when they are stressed, anxious, or have just exercised or eaten.

Choice A reason: Avoid salt substitutes. This client needs additional education, as salt substitutes may contain potassium, which can increase the risk of hyperkalemia in clients with coronary artery disease. The nurse should teach the client to use herbs, spices, or lemon juice to flavor food instead of salt or salt substitutes.

Choice B reason: Consume canned vegetables. This client needs additional education, as canned vegetables may contain sodium, which can increase the blood pressure and worsen coronary artery disease. The nurse should teach the client to choose fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned ones.

Choice C reason: Include oatmeal for breakfast. This client does not need additional education, as oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. The nurse should praise the client for this healthy choice.

Choice D reason: Identify foods with saturated fats. This client does not need additional education, as identifying foods with saturated fats is an important step to avoid them. Saturated fats can raise cholesterol and increase the risk of coronary artery disease. The nurse should teach the client to limit saturated fats to less than 10% of total calories per day.

Choice E reason: Walk 30 minutes per day. This client does not need additional education, as walking 30 minutes per day is a recommended physical activity for clients with coronary artery disease. Physical activity can improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress. The nurse should encourage the client to walk at a moderate pace and consult with the healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.

Choice F reason: Keep a food diary. This client does not need additional education, as keeping a food diary is a helpful tool to monitor dietary intake and identify areas for improvement. The nurse should teach the client to record the type, amount, and time of food consumed, as well as any symptoms or feelings associated with eating.