Nutrition and Hydration Flashcards

Which medical condition most commonly requires a client to follow a low-sodium diet?

Answer: Hypertension and heart failure

Low-sodium diets are prescribed for conditions such as hypertension and heart failure to reduce fluid retention and lower blood pressure.

A client with diabetes needs to carefully monitor their daily intake of which nutrient?

Answer: Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates directly affect blood glucose levels, making carbohydrate monitoring essential for clients managing diabetes.

Which vitamin is primarily obtained through skin exposure to sunlight?

Answer: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is synthesized by the skin when exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight and is critical for bone health.

A client is prescribed a pureed diet. What is the most likely reason for this dietary modification?

Answer: The client has difficulty chewing or swallowing safely

Pureed diets are prescribed for clients with chewing or swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) to reduce the risk of choking and aspiration.

In the context of eating and swallowing, what is aspiration?

Answer: Food or liquid entering the airway instead of the esophagus

Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, or other material enters the trachea and lungs rather than the stomach, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

When should a PSW report changes in a client's appetite to the supervisor?

Answer: Immediately when a significant or persistent change is noticed

Changes in appetite can signal underlying medical or emotional problems that require prompt assessment by the care team.

Which of the following food choices is highest in potassium and would be important for a client with low potassium levels?

Answer: Banana

Bananas are a well-known high-potassium food frequently recommended to help raise low potassium (hypokalemia) levels.