Physiological Adaptation NCLEX Related

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What are the implications for a client with renal insufficiency who wants to start a low-carbohydrate (CHO) diet?

  • A. As long as the client eats a minimum of 30 g of CHO/day, there should be no problem.
  • B. The client's clinical condition is a contraindication to starting a low CHO diet.
  • C. Calcium supplements should be utilized to prevent the development of osteoporosis while on a low CHO diet.
  • D. As long as the client eats foods that are high biologic protein sources, a low CHO diet can be followed.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A client with renal insufficiency should not start a low CHO diet because it could result in an increased renal solute load. Clients who have renal disease (renal failure, endstage renal disease [ESRD], dialysis, and transplant) or liver disease (liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, cirrhosis, transplant, and hepatitis) require some form of protein control in dietary patterns to prevent complications from an inability to handle protein solute load. Proteins used in the diet must be of high biologic value, and protein intake is usually weight based, starting at 0.8 g/kg of dry weight, depending on the client's underlying clinical condition. Protein levels may be increased as necessary to account for metabolic response to dialysis and regeneration of liver tissue (1.5-2.0 g/kg/day). A minimum level of CHOs are needed in the diet (50-100 g/day) to spare protein. Vitamin and mineral supplements might be indicated with clients who have liver failure. The dietician is instrumental in calculating specific nutrient requirements for these clients and reviewing fluid intake and output, medication profile, and daily weight to monitor client outcomes in conjunction with dialysis technicians and nurses.