Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Renal and urinary disorders
NCLEX: A client with chronic kidney disease has potassium 5.9 mEq/L and reports muscle cramps. Which dietary teaching is…
Adult health / medical-surgical nursing Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A client with chronic kidney disease has potassium 5.9 mEq/L and reports muscle cramps. Which dietary teaching is correct?
Question
A. Avoid high-potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes unless the provider approves otherwise.
B. Increase orange juice daily to prevent dehydration.
C. Add salt substitutes containing potassium chloride to meals.
D. Follow a high-protein, high-potassium diet to maintain strength.
B. Increase orange juice daily to prevent dehydration.
C. Add salt substitutes containing potassium chloride to meals.
D. Follow a high-protein, high-potassium diet to maintain strength.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Avoid high-potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes unless the provider approves otherwise.
Rationale: Hyperkalemia in CKD requires potassium restriction; salt substitutes and high-potassium foods can worsen serum potassium.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Hyperkalemia in CKD requires potassium restriction; salt substitutes and high-potassium foods can worsen serum potassium.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.