Which of the following should be avoided for clients taking ACE Inhibitors?

Food high in potassium should be avoided for clients taking ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are drugs that block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor and also stimulates the secretion of aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone that increases the reabsorption of sodium and water and the excretion of potassium in the kidneys. By inhibiting angiotensin II, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and reduce the loss of potassium. However, this can also lead to hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood that can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Therefore, clients taking ACE inhibitors should limit their intake of foods that are rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, beans, nuts, and salt substitutes.

Choice B is wrong because a low sodium diet is recommended for clients taking ACE inhibitors.

A low sodium diet can help lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention, which are beneficial effects for clients with hypertension, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. A low-potassium diet should aim for potassium intake of less than 50 or 75 mmol/day and sodium intake of less than 60 mmol/day for hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease.

Choice C is wrong because adequate fluid intake is not contraindicated for clients taking ACE inhibitors.

Adequate fluid intake can help prevent dehydration and maintain kidney function, especially in patients with diabetes or nephropathy. However, excessive fluid intake may worsen heart failure or edema in some patients, so fluid intake should be individualized and monitored according to the patient’s condition and response to therapy.

Choice D is wrong because foods low in potassium are not harmful for clients taking ACE inhibitors.

Foods low in potassium do not affect the serum potassium level or the risk of hyperkalemia in clients taking ACE inhibitors. However, foods low in potassium may not provide enough dietary potassium for normal cellular functions, so a balanced diet that includes moderate amounts of potassium-rich foods is advisable.