An older client with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a low oxygen saturation level and becomes short of breath when eating. Why should the nurse recommend that this client be on a high-fat high-protein diet?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Frail clients with COPD should be encouraged to eat a diet that is high in calories to avoid fatigue and excessive energy use during meals. In this case, a choice of high-protein and high-fat foods are appropriate to provide the client with more calories per bite, and will allow more food to be consumed with less shortness of breath. Although it is true that weight gain may help to speed recovery and heart disease is not a worry, the immediate concern is to provide the nutrients that are needed while minimizing the energy needed to eat. Foods containing high amounts of protein and fat take longer to digest.

An Older Client with an Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive