A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage renal disease and must limit protein intake; therefore, the protein the nurse recommends should be complete proteins. Which of the following foods should the nurse plan to include in the client’s diet?

Choice A reason: Iron-deficiency anemia results from inadequate iron intake or absorption, not high cholesterol. Meat, a key protein source, is rich in heme iron, reducing anemia risk. High cholesterol from meat consumption does not directly cause anemia, as cholesterol affects lipid metabolism, not iron homeostasis.

Choice B reason: High cholesterol from excessive meat consumption, particularly red meat high in saturated fats, elevates low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, promoting atherosclerosis. This increases the risk of heart disease by forming arterial plaques, which can lead to coronary artery disease, heart attacks, or strokes, making this the correct choice.

Choice C reason: Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is unrelated to high cholesterol levels. It results from imbalanced carbohydrate metabolism or insulin issues, not lipid intake from meat. Cholesterol affects cardiovascular health, not glucose regulation, making this an incorrect choice for the condition described.

Choice D reason: Osteoporosis is caused by low bone density, often linked to inadequate calcium or vitamin D, not high cholesterol. While poor diet may contribute, cholesterol from meat does not directly affect bone health, as it primarily impacts lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk, making this incorrect.

Choice A reason: Nuts provide about 7 grams of protein per ounce but are incomplete, lacking certain essential amino acids like lysine. For end-stage renal disease patients, who need limited but high-quality protein (0.6-0.8 grams/kg daily), nuts are less effective due to their incomplete profile and higher potassium content.

Choice B reason: Lentils offer about 18 grams of protein per cup but are incomplete, deficient in methionine. For renal patients, who require complete proteins to minimize nitrogen waste, lentils are less suitable, as they need complementary foods and may contribute to excessive potassium intake.

Choice C reason: Green vegetables like spinach provide minimal protein (1-5 grams per cup), insufficient for meeting even limited protein needs in renal disease (0.6-0.8 grams/kg daily). They lack essential amino acids and are primarily micronutrient sources, making them inappropriate as a primary protein source.

Choice D reason: Eggs provide 6 grams of complete protein per egg, containing all essential amino acids. For end-stage renal disease patients, eggs offer high-quality protein with low nitrogen waste, supporting tissue maintenance within restricted intake (0.6-0.8 grams/kg daily), making them the best choice for this diet.