Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndrome Related

Review Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndrome related questions and content

To assist the patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) in making appropriate dietary changes, which of the following nursing interventions will be most effective?

  • A. Instruct the patient that a diet containing no saturated fat and minimal sodium will be necessary.
  • B. Emphasize the increased risk for cardiac problems unless the patient makes the dietary changes.
  • C. Assist the patient to modify favourite high-fat recipes by using polyunsaturated oils when possible.
  • D. Provide the patient with a list of low-sodium, low-cholesterol foods that should be included in the diet.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lifestyle changes are more likely to be successful when consideration is given to the patient's values and preferences. The highest percentage of calories from fat should come from polyunsaturated fats. Although low-sodium and low-cholesterol foods are appropriate, providing the patient with a list alone is not likely to be successful in making dietary changes. Removing saturated fat from the diet completely is not a realistic expectation. Telling the patient about the increased risk without assisting further with strategies for dietary change is unlikely to be successful.