A nurse is providing teaching about the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet to a client who has hypertension. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is not typically associated with complications of childhood obesity. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the joints, and while obesity can contribute to joint stress, it's not a commonly taught complication of obesity.
Choice B rationale:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is not directly related to childhood obesity. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Obesity is more commonly associated with type 2 diabetes, as it can lead to insulin resistance over time.
Choice C rationale:
Hypothyroidism is not a well-established complication of childhood obesity. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to a slowed metabolism. While obesity can be influenced by thyroid function, it's not a primary complication taught in relation to childhood obesity.
Choice D rationale:
Hypertension is a well-recognized complication of childhood obesity. When a child is obese, the excess adipose tissue can lead to an increase in blood pressure due to increased work that the heart must perform to supply blood to the additional tissues. This can strain the cardiovascular system and potentially lead to hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Childhood obesity can set the stage for long-term cardiovascular issues, making hypertension a key concern.

The correct answer is choice c. Omega-3 fatty acids.

Choice A rationale:

Magnesium is generally abundant in a vegan diet, as it is found in many plant-based foods such as nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables.

Choice B rationale:

Vitamin A can be obtained from plant sources in the form of beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. Therefore, vegans are not at high risk for vitamin A deficiency if they consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.

Choice C rationale:

Omega-3 fatty acids are primarily found in fish and other seafood, which are not part of a vegan diet. While some plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts provide ALA (a type of omega-3), they may not be sufficient to meet the body’s needs for EPA and DHA, the more active forms of omega-3 fatty acids.

Choice D rationale:

Potassium is readily available in a wide range of fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, potatoes, and spinach, making it unlikely for vegans to be deficient in this nutrient.