A nurse is teaching a class about dietary guidelines to promote cardiovascular health. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include in the teaching?

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.

The correct answer is choice A. “Eat protein at each meal.”

Choice A rationale:

Eating protein at each meal can help slow down the digestion process and reduce the symptoms of dumping syndrome.Protein takes longer to digest compared to carbohydrates, which can help prevent the rapid emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine.

Choice B rationale:

Drinking beverages with meals is not recommended for clients with dumping syndrome. Fluids can increase the speed at which food moves through the stomach, exacerbating symptoms.It is generally advised to drink fluids between meals rather than with meals.

Choice C rationale:

Consuming three large meals daily is not advisable for clients with dumping syndrome. Large meals can cause a rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine, leading to symptoms.Instead, eating smaller, more frequent meals is recommended to help manage the condition.

Choice D rationale:

Sitting up in bed after meals is not recommended for managing dumping syndrome.In fact, lying down for about 30 minutes after eating can help slow the movement of food through the digestive tract and reduce symptoms.