A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has heart failure about limiting sodium intake to 1,000 mg/day. The nurse should inform the client that which of the following dairy products has the highest sodium content?

The correct answer is choice d. “A low-protein diet should be followed for 3 months prior to conception.”

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring serum bilirubin is not relevant for managing phenylketonuria (PKU) during pregnancy. PKU management focuses on maintaining low phenylalanine levels to prevent harm to the developing fetus.

Choice B rationale:

Diet sodas contain aspartame, which is high in phenylalanine and should be completely avoided by individuals with PKU, not just limited to two or three times per week.

Choice C rationale:

Breastfeeding does not prevent a baby from developing PKU. PKU is a genetic disorder, and breastfeeding does not influence the genetic makeup of the baby.

Choice D rationale:

Following a low-protein diet for 3 months prior to conception is crucial for women with PKU. This helps to ensure that phenylalanine levels are low, reducing the risk of birth defects and intellectual disabilities in the baby.

Choice A rationale:
Serum potassium at 4.8 mEq/L is within the normal range (typically around 3.5-5.0 mEq/L), but potassium levels are not the primary concern when assessing the effectiveness of a phosphate binder for end-stage renal disease.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is the correct answer. Total calcium levels around 9.7 mg/dL (normal range approximately 8.5-10.2 mg/dL) are important indicators of the effectiveness of a phosphate binder. These levels reflect the balance between calcium and phosphate in the body, which is crucial for bone health and various physiological functions.
Choice C rationale:
Sodium at 136 mEq/L (normal range approximately 135-145 mEq/L) is within the normal range but is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of a phosphate binder for end-stage renal disease.
Choice D rationale:
Hemoglobin at 15 g/dL (normal range varies by gender and age but is roughly 12-16 g/dL for adult females and 14-18 g/dL for adult males) is not related to the effectiveness of a phosphate binder. Hemoglobin levels reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and are more relevant in assessing anemia or other blood-related conditions.