A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a low-sodium diet. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?

Choice A reason: Bananas are high in potassium, contraindicated for a low-potassium diet. They can elevate serum potassium, risking hyperkalemia, making this an incorrect choice for the diet plan.

Choice B reason: White rice is low in potassium, making it suitable for a low-potassium diet. It provides carbohydrates without significantly affecting potassium levels, making it the correct food to include.

Choice C reason: Spinach is high in potassium, inappropriate for a low-potassium diet. Consuming it could exacerbate hyperkalemia, making this incorrect for a patient requiring potassium restriction.

Choice D reason: Potatoes are high in potassium, unsuitable for a low-potassium diet. They increase potassium intake, risking imbalance, making this an incorrect choice for the client’s dietary plan.

Choice A reason: Complete bed rest increases stasis, a risk factor for thrombus formation per Virchow’s triad. Immobility slows venous return, promoting clot development, making this choice counterproductive and incorrect for preventing postoperative thrombi.

Choice B reason: Light wrapping may provide comfort but does not effectively prevent thrombus formation. Compression stockings are preferred for venous return, and wrapping alone is insufficient, making this choice less effective than ambulation.

Choice C reason: Early ambulation promotes venous return, reducing stasis and preventing thrombus formation in postsurgical patients. It enhances circulation, countering Virchow’s triad, and is a standard intervention, making this the correct action to implement.

Choice D reason: Pillows under the knees cause venous pooling by flexing joints, increasing thrombus risk. This contradicts measures to enhance circulation, such as ambulation, making it an incorrect choice for thrombus prevention.