The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus who uses both short-acting and long-acting insulin adjusted doses throughout the day. Which nutrient is essential for the client to count for each meal and snacks?

Choice A

Following low carbohydrate diet with low glycaemic index foods is incorrect. This recommendation is not specifically related to the management of glomerulonephritis. While managing carbohydrate intake might be relevant for individuals with diabetes, it's not the primary focus for someone with kidney inflammation.

Choice B

Eating a high protein diet three times a day is incorrect: While protein is important for overall health and recovery, a high protein diet might not be the best recommendation for someone with compromised kidney function. Excessive protein intake could potentially put additional strain on the kidneys.

Choice C

Avoiding foods high in potassium is correct. Examples of foods high in potassium that the client should be cautious about include bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, and other fruits and vegetables. Glomerulonephritis is a condition involving inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, which can affect kidney function and the regulation of electrolytes, including potassium. In glomerulonephritis, the kidneys might have difficulty filtering and excreting excess potassium, leading to a potential build-up of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia).

Choice D

Restricting sodium rich foods and excessive oral fluids is incorrect. This recommendation aligns more closely with managing fluid retention and blood pressure, which can be relevant for individuals with kidney issues. However, the primary concern in glomerulonephritis is often potassium balance, making the recommendation to avoid high potassium foods more pertinent.

Choice A

Potatoes, bananas, and oranges should be encouraged. Hypokalaemia refers to a lower than normal level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining proper muscle function, nerve signalling, and fluid balance in the body. To address hypokalaemia, it's important to consume foods that are rich in potassium.

Choice B

Cranberry juice, butter, and hard candy. None of these foods are particularly high in potassium should not be encouraged. Cranberry juice is more commonly associated with urinary tract health, and butter and hard candy do not contribute significant amounts of potassium.

Choice C

Milk products, canned salmon, and fresh oysters should not be encouraged. While milk products contain some potassium, they are not as potent a source as other options. Canned salmon and fresh oysters do provide some potassium, but they are not as well-known for their potassium content as other foods like bananas and potatoes.

Choice D

Hard cheese, whole grain cereals, and dried vegetables should not be encouraged. These foods are not known for being particularly high in potassium. Hard cheese and whole grain cereals have limited potassium content, and dried vegetables, while containing some potassium, are not among the best sources.