An important action the nurse can take that will most likely increase client compliance with a sodium- and fat-restricted diet is to
A) offer to find the client a class on heart-healthy cooking.
B) provide verbal education on ways to modify the client's current diet.
C) refer the client for a consultation with a registered dietitian.
D) tell the client about complications that may occur from not being compliant.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While all options have some place in working with hypertensive clients, the intervention that would have the most positive outcome would be referring the client to a dietitian. A highly individualized approach to dietary counseling is crucial and the dietitian can help the client plan, taking into account lifestyle; preferences; and ethnic, social, cultural, and financial influences. Some clients might like a cooking class, but this does not relieve the nurse from responsibilities related to diet teaching. Verbal education should be supplemented with written information. And education about complications is important, but simply telling the client about complications that might occur if the diet plan is not followed may be perceived as threatening.

An Important Action the Nurse Can Take That Will Most