Question

The nurse is planning dietary changes for a client following an episode of pancreatitis. Which diet is suitable for the client? A. Low calorie, low carbohydrate B. High calorie, low fat C. High protein, high fat D. Low protein, high carbohydrate

Short answer

Answer: Option B (High calorie, low fat).

Step-by-step solution

Understand pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion and regulates blood sugar. Inflammation can occur when digestive enzymes are activated in the pancreas instead of the small intestine. The key point to consider here is that someone recovering from pancreatitis will need to have a diet that avoids putting additional stress on the pancreas and aids in the recovery process.

Determine ideal dietary requirements for pancreatitis recovery

In general, an appropriate diet for pancreatitis recovery will include: 1. Low fat (to reduce stress on the pancreas) 2. High-quality, lean protein (to support tissue repair and recovery) 3. Moderate carbohydrates, preferably from whole grains and vegetables (to provide energy) 4. Low or moderate-calorie intake (to avoid excessive weight gain)

Compare the given diet options to the ideal requirements

Let's analyze each of the given options: A. Low calorie, low carbohydrate: This diet may not provide enough energy and nutrients for recovery. Not an ideal choice. B. High calorie, low fat: This diet is suitable as it provides a low-fat intake, moderate carbohydrates, and doesn't have excessive protein, which might otherwise strain the pancreas. This option aligns with the ideal dietary requirements stated above. C. High protein, high fat: High protein is good for recovery, but high fat intake could stress the pancreas and is not an appropriate choice for someone recovering from pancreatitis. D. Low protein, high carbohydrate: Lack of enough protein in this diet can hinder recovery and tissue repair, so this option is not ideal.

Choose the most suitable diet

Based on the analysis of the given diet options, it's clear that Option B (High calorie, low fat) is the most suitable diet for a client recovering from pancreatitis.