PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

What dietary instruction should the nurse give a client with coronary artery disease?

1. "Limit consumption of whole milk products to 8 ounces three times per week."

2. "Maintain a fat intake of 40 percent of your total daily calories."

3. "Exercise for 20 minutes twice per week."

4. "Add oily fish to your diet twice weekly."

The correct answer is: "Add oily fish to your diet twice weekly."

A client with coronary artery disease (CAD) benefits significantly from dietary modifications aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk. Incorporating oily fish into their diet is particularly advantageous because oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are known to have several positive effects on heart health; they can help lower triglyceride levels, reduce inflammation, and improve overall cardiovascular function. Frequent consumption of omega-3-rich foods like oily fish is recommended, with suggestions typically advocating for at least two servings per week to harness these benefits effectively. In contrast, limiting whole milk products to a certain quantity may not adequately address the total fat and saturated fat intake, which is crucial for CAD management. A fat intake that composes a high percentage of total daily calories, as suggested in another option, does not align with the recommended guidelines for heart-healthy diets, which prioritize a lower saturated fat and balanced fat intake for heart disease prevention. Additionally, the suggestion to exercise for only 20 minutes twice per week falls short of the generally recommended levels of physical activity for maintaining cardiovascular health, which usually emphasizes more regular and longer bouts of exercise. Therefore, promoting the inclusion of oily fish aligns best with optimal dietary practices for