A nurse is educating a client about the impact of cardiovascular disease on kidney health. Which statement made by the client demonstrates understanding?

A. Incorrect. Hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels, can cause muscle weakness and potentially cardiac arrhythmias, but it is not typically associated with difficulty concentrating or irritability.

B. Incorrect. Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels, can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion and headache, but it is not typically associated with muscle cramps.

C. Incorrect. Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, can cause muscle cramps and neurological symptoms, but it is not specifically associated with difficulty concentrating and irritability.

D. Correct. Hyperphosphatemia, or high phosphorus levels, is common in chronic renal failure due to impaired kidney function. Elevated phosphorus levels can lead to the binding of calcium, resulting in decreased ionized calcium in the blood. This can cause neuromuscular irritability, difficulty concentrating, and muscle cramps.

A. Incorrect. Dairy products are high in potassium and should be limited in clients at risk for hyperkalemia.

B. Incorrect. Fruits and vegetables are also high in potassium and should be limited in clients with chronic renal failure and hyperkalemia risk.

C. Correct. Nuts and seeds are rich sources of potassium and should be restricted in the diet of clients at risk for hyperkalemia.

D. Incorrect. Poultry is a good protein source, but the type of protein is not the main concern for clients at risk for hyperkalemia; it is the overall potassium content of the diet that needs to be reduced.