A patient with peripheral vascular disease has been on pentoxifylline (Trental) for 2 weeks.

Which statements by the patient indicate no need for further patient teaching about the disease? Select all that apply.

Food high in potassium should be avoided for clients taking ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are drugs that block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor and also stimulates the secretion of aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone that increases the reabsorption of sodium and water and the excretion of potassium in the kidneys. By inhibiting angiotensin II, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and reduce the loss of potassium. However, this can also lead to hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood that can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness.Therefore, clients taking ACE inhibitors should limit their intake of foods that are rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, beans, nuts, and salt substitutes.

Choice B is wrong because a low sodium diet is recommended for clients taking ACE inhibitors.

A low sodium diet can help lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention, which are beneficial effects for clients with hypertension, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease.A low-potassium diet should aim for potassium intake of less than 50 or 75 mmol/day and sodium intake of less than 60 mmol/day for hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease.

Choice C is wrong because adequate fluid intake is not contraindicated for clients taking ACE inhibitors.

Adequate fluid intake can help prevent dehydration and maintain kidney function, especially in patients with diabetes or nephropathy.However, excessive fluid intake may worsen heart failure or edema in some patients, so fluid intake should be individualized and monitored according to the patient’s condition and response to therapy.

Choice D is wrong because foods low in potassium are not harmful for clients taking ACE inhibitors.

Foods low in potassium do not affect the serum potassium level or the risk of hyperkalemia in clients taking ACE inhibitors.However, foods low in potassium may not provide enough dietary potassium for normal cellular functions, so a balanced diet that includes moderate amounts of potassium-rich foods is advisable.

Intermittent claudication is a condition in which leg pain is produced upon increased activity and ischemia to tissues, but then the pain is reduced with rest. This is because the blood flow to the leg muscles is insufficient to meet the increased demand during exercise, but adequate at rest.Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs.

Choice B, sporadic ischemia, is wrong because it is not a specific medical term for a condition that causes leg pain.

Ischemia means reduced blood flow to a part of the body, which can cause pain, but it can be caused by various factors and affect different organs.

Choice C, angina, is wrong because it is a term for chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, not the legs.

Angina can also be triggered by physical activity and relieved by rest, but it is not related to PAD or leg ischemia.

Choice D, restless leg syndrome, is wrong because it is a condition that causes an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, usually at night or when lying down.

Restless leg syndrome does not cause pain or ischemia in the legs, and it is not improved by rest.It is thought to be related to a problem with the nervous system or iron deficiency.