Question

The nurse is caring for a client with a history of uric acid kidney stones. Which food should be avoided by the client on a purine-restricted diet? A. Liver B. Tapioca C. Milk D. Peanut butter

Short answer

Answer: Liver

Step-by-step solution

Understand Purines

Purines are natural substances found in various foods. When purines are broken down in the body, they produce uric acid. High levels of uric acid in the body may lead to the formation of uric acid kidney stones. Therefore, a person with a history of uric acid kidney stones should follow a purine-restricted diet to prevent the formation of new stones.

List down the purine levels of the given options

We will now list down the purine levels of the given food options: A. Liver - High purine B. Tapioca - Low purine C. Milk - Low purine D. Peanut butter - Low purine

Identify the food to be avoided

Based on the purine levels of the given food options, we can conclude that the food item to be avoided by the client on a purine-restricted diet is: A. Liver (High purine food) Therefore, the correct answer is A. Liver.

Key concepts

Uric Acid Kidney Stones

Uric acid kidney stones are a common yet painful condition where crystals form in the urinary tract due to high levels of uric acid in the urine. These can lead to significant discomfort and complications if not managed properly. A key factor in the formation of these stones is the consumption of foods high in purines, which are substances found naturally in certain types of food.When your body breaks down purines, uric acid is produced as a waste product. Foods that are rich in purines contribute to the levels of uric acid in your body and can cause uric acid levels to spike, leading to the crystallization and stone formation. Foods high in purines include red meats, organ meats like liver, certain fish, and some vegetables. On the contrary, foods like tapioca, milk, and peanut butter have low purine levels and are generally safer for individuals prone to kidney stones.It is essential for those suffering from uric acid kidney stones to follow a purine-restricted diet. This involves limiting or avoiding high-purine foods and opting for a diet that includes plenty of hydration, dairy products with low to moderate purine contents, and a balance of other nutrients to ensure overall kidney health.

Nutrition in Nursing

In the field of nursing, understanding the role of nutrition is crucial for patient care. Nutrition in nursing encompasses knowledge about how different foods and diets impact health, recovery, and disease management. Nurses must be able to advise patients, like the client with uric acid kidney stones, on dietary choices that align with their health conditions.

Nurses should be knowledgeable about which foods are high in purines and those that are beneficial for maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. Moreover, they must be familiar with diet modifications for various medical conditions to provide care and education accordingly. For instance, teaching patients to avoid foods like liver in the context of a purine-restricted diet is a direct application of nutritional knowledge in nursing practice.

Effective communication skills are as important as nutritional knowledge, as nurses often need to explain complex dietary restrictions in a manner that patients can easily understand and adhere to. Such guidance not only assists in the prevention of complications but also empowers patients to manage their health proactively.

NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation

Preparing for the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) is a critical step for practical nursing students aiming to become licensed professionals. The exam covers a broad range of topics, including nutrition and diet modifications for specific health conditions, such as uric acid kidney stones.

To prepare effectively, students should focus on understanding the dietary management of different conditions, which will help answer exam questions that test their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. Engaging with study materials, taking practice tests, and utilizing resources specifically designed for NCLEX-PN exam preparation can significantly enhance a student’s readiness.

Furthermore, developing critical thinking skills is essential to navigate through multiple-choice questions, particularly those that present realistic patient scenarios. Being able to deduce why certain foods must be avoided for conditions like uric acid kidney stones not only helps in passing the exam but also prepares nursing students for their future roles in patient education and care.