Question

A client receiving HydroDIURIL (hydrochlorothiazide) is instructed to increase her dietary intake of potassium. The best snack for the client requiring increased potassium is: A. Pear B. Apple C. Orange D. Banana

Short answer

Answer: D. Banana.

Step-by-step solution

List the potassium content of each fruit

Look up the potassium content for each fruit option (values will be considered per 100g of the fruit): - Pear: 119 mg of potassium - Apple: 107 mg of potassium - Orange: 181 mg of potassium - Banana: 358 mg of potassium

Compare the potassium content of each fruit

After listing the potassium content of each fruit, we need to compare them: - Pear - 119 mg of potassium - Apple - 107 mg of potassium - Orange - 181 mg of potassium - Banana - 358 mg of potassium From the numbers above, it is evident that bananas have the highest potassium content among the four options.

Choose the best fruit for the client

Based on the comparison, the fruit with the highest potassium content is a banana. Therefore, the best snack option for the client requiring increased potassium intake is: D. Banana

Key concepts

Understanding Potassium-Rich Foods

Potassium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining several functions in your body, such as regulating fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. When a client is prescribed medications like HydroDIURIL (hydrochlorothiazide), which can lower potassium levels, it is essential to increase dietary potassium to compensate.
Some foods, especially fruits and vegetables, are excellent sources of potassium. Examples include:

• Bananas: Widely known for their high potassium content, bananas provide about 358 mg of potassium per 100 grams.
• Oranges: Also a good source, with approximately 181 mg of potassium per 100 grams, making them a refreshing option.
• Spinach and Leafy Greens: Rich in nutrients, offering a significant potassium boost for a healthy diet.
• Sweet Potatoes: Not only a delicious choice but also pack a punch of potassium and other nutrients.

Including potassium-rich foods like those mentioned above can help maintain the right balance of electrolytes and support bodily functions.

Dietary Recommendations for Potassium Intake

Proper potassium intake is a key part of a healthy diet. The daily recommend intake varies depending on several factors including age, lifestyle, and specific health needs. For the average adult, current guidelines suggest a daily intake of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 mg of potassium.

Here are some practical tips to help increase potassium intake safely:

• Incorporate more whole fruits and vegetables into meals - they are not only packed with potassium but also offer other essential nutrients and dietary fiber.
• Opt for potassium-rich foods over supplements unless advised by a healthcare provider, as natural sources are generally safer and provide other beneficial nutrients.
• Monitor and adjust dietary intake based on any specific health conditions, such as kidney issues, which can affect potassium management in the body.

Remember to balance potassium intake with other dietary minerals like sodium, to optimize overall health and nutrient absorption.

NCLEX-PN Nursing Exam Questions on Nutrition

The NCLEX-PN includes questions on a wide array of nursing topics, including nutrition, which is a vital part of patient care. When it comes to nutrition-related questions, students are tested on their understanding of dietary needs specific to various medical conditions and how to implement them in patient care.

For example:

• Medication Interactions: You might encounter questions about which foods should be recommended based on a patient's medication, like avoiding grapefruit with certain drugs.
• Understanding Deficiencies: Know how to identify symptoms of common nutritional deficiencies and the dietary changes necessary to address them.
• Cultural and Personal Preferences: Being sensitive to patients’ dietary restrictions due to cultural or personal choices, and planning accordingly.

By having a solid grasp of these concepts, nursing students can feel better prepared to answer NCLEX-PN questions efficiently and effectively, ensuring they can provide the best possible nutritional guidance in their practice.