Question

The nurse has been teaching the role of diet in regulating blood pressure to a client with hypertension. Which meal selection indicates that the client understands his new diet? A. Cornflakes, whole milk, banana, and coffee B. Scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee C. Oatmeal, apple juice, dry toast, and coffee D. Pancakes, ham, tomato juice, and coffee

Short answer

Answer: Option C (oatmeal, apple juice, dry toast, and coffee) is the best choice as it is lower in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol while including whole grains, fruit, and low-fat bread.

Step-by-step solution

Identify important factors in a diet that affect blood pressure

A diet that is effective in regulating blood pressure should be low in salt (sodium), saturated fat, and cholesterol. It should also include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. We can use these guidelines to analyze each meal option.

Analyze option A

Option A includes cornflakes, whole milk, banana, and coffee. Cornflakes are a source of whole grains and have little salt. Whole milk, however, contains saturated fat, and coffee can raise blood pressure temporarily. Overall, this option has some positive aspects but also some elements that could be harmful.

Analyze option B

Option B consists of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee. Eggs have some cholesterol, bacon is high in salt and saturated fat, and coffee can temporarily raise blood pressure. This option is not advisable for someone with hypertension.

Analyze option C

Option C offers oatmeal, apple juice, dry toast, and coffee. Oatmeal is rich in whole grains and can help lower cholesterol. Apple juice and dry toast are both low in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol. However, coffee can still increase blood pressure temporarily. This option is relatively better but still not ideal.

Analyze option D

Option D presents pancakes, ham, tomato juice, and coffee. Pancakes, depending on their ingredients, might have saturated fat and added sugars. Ham is high in salt and saturated fat. Tomato juice is low in sodium and can be a good source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. Once again, coffee can temporarily raise blood pressure. This option also has some drawbacks.

Select the best option

Comparing the four meal options, option C (oatmeal, apple juice, dry toast, and coffee) is the most suitable for a person with hypertension as it is lower in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol and includes whole grains, fruit, and low-fat bread. Option C indicates that the client understands their new diet for regulating blood pressure. Although coffee may raise blood pressure temporarily, it's a common element in all the options, so the focus is on the other meal components.