Disease-related diets NCLEX
Acne : low fat
Acute gastroenteritis : clear liquid
Acute glomerulonephritis : low Sodium, low Protein
Addison disease : high Na, Low potassium
Anemia - iron deficiency : high iron
Anemia - pernicious : high protein, vitamin B
Anemia – sickle cell : high fluid
Angina pectoris : low cholesterol
Arthritis – gout : purine restricted
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) : finger foods
Bipolar disorder : finger foods
Burn : high calorie, high protein
Celiac's disease : gluten free
Cholecystitis : high protein, high carbohydrate, low fat
Congestive heart failure : low sodium, low cholesterol
Congestive heart failure : low sodium, low cholesterol
Cretinism : high protein, high calcium
Crohn disease : high protein, high carbohydrate, low fat
Cushing disease : high potassium, low sodium
Cystic fibrosis : high calorie, high sodium
Cystitis : acid ash (for alkaline stones) and alkaline ash( for acid stones)
Decubitus ulcer : high protein, high vitamin C
Diabetes mellitus : well balanced diet
Diarrhea : high potassium, high sodium
Diverticulitis : low residue
Diverticulosis : high residue with no seeds
Dumping syndrome : high fat, high protein, dry food
Hepatic encephalopathy : low protein
Hepatitis : high protein, high calorie
Hirschsprung disease : high calorie, low residue, high protein
Hyperparathyroidism : low calcium
Hypertension : salt restricted
Hyperthyroidism : high calorie, high protein
Hypoparathyroidism : high calcium, low phosphorus
Hypthyroidism : low calorie, low cholesterol, low saturated fat
Kawasakis' disease : clear liquid
Liver cirrhosis : low protein
Meniere's disease : low sodium
Myocardial infarction : low fat, low cholesterol, low sodium
Nephritic syndrome : low sodium, high protein, high calorie
Osteoporosis : high calcium, high vitamin D
Pancreatitis : low fat
Peptic ulcer : high fat, high carbohydrate, low protein
Phenylketonuria : low protein/phenylalanine
Pregnancy induced hypertension : high protein
Renal colic : low sodium, low protein
Renal failure – acute : low protein, high carbohydrate, low sodium (oliguric phase), high protein, high calorie, restricted fluid
(diuretic phase)
Renal failure – chronic : low protein, low sodium, low potassium
Tonsillitis : clear liquid
Recent questions on NCLEX about Celiac sprue disease
Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, is a genetic disorder. Symptoms of celiac disease can range from
diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition, to latent symptoms such as isolated nutrient deficiencies. Those affected suffer
damage to the villi of their intestines when they eat specific food-grain antigens (toxic amino acid sequences) that are
found in wheat, rye, and barley. Oats have traditionally been considered to be toxic to celiacs, but recent scientific studies
have shown otherwise. Studies of persons who have this disorder and continued of gluten will increase the chances of
gastrointestinal cancer by a factor of 40 to 100 times that of the normal population. In order to keep this disease under
control, you should follow a celiac disease diet. Celiac disease gluten-free diet can be achieved by consumption of:
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Fruits and vegetables (potatoes, rice, corn, peas)
Meat of any kind
Dairy
Food specifically for these patients, which are made from cereals without containing gluten (rice, tapioca, corn flour)
such as various pastas, bread, cakes and other pastries.
NCLEX Question: Diet for clients on Bumex:
Pharmacologic class: Loop diuretic
Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive
Bumex is a potent diuretic; excessive amounts may cause profound diuresis with fluid and electrolyte depletion.
Inhibits reabsorption of sodium and chloride in distal renal tubules and ascending limb of loop of Henle; increases
renal excretion of water, sodium, chloride, magnesium, hydrogen, and calcium. Also reduces increased fluid volume
caused by renal vasodilation. Advise patient to eat foods high in potassium.
NCLEX Review Question
An adult is being taught about a healthy diet. The nurse explains that the food pyramid can guide him
a. in making daily food choices.
b. by indicating exactly how many servings of each group to eat.
c. on how many calories he should have.
d. to divide food into four basic groups.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The pyramid helps to guide the client in choosing a variety of foods to obtain the nutrients he needs. It also aids in eating more of
some groups (bread, cereal, rice, and pasta) and less of others (fats, oils, and sweets).
NCLEX Review Question
An adult is on a clear liquid diet. The nurse can offer him
a. milk.
b. freshly squeezed orange juice.
c. ice cream.
d. Jello.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Plain gelatins can be given on a clear liquid diet, as well as tea, coffee, ginger ale, or 7-Up.
NCLEX Review Question
Before administering a tube feeding the nurse knows to perform which of the following assessments?
a. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including bowel sounds, last BM, and distention.
b. The client’s neurologic status, especially gag reflex.
c. The amount of air in the stomach.
d. That the formula is used directly from the refrigerator.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The GI tract should be assessed before each feeding to ensure functioning and minimal problems.
Your liver makes albumin out of the protein that you eat. Albumin and salt have osmotic pressure which is needed
to hold fluids in your blood circulation. Half the calcium that gets released from the bone gets bound up with
Albumin. Free Calcium and bound calcium have to be in same ratio all the time. If albumin level is low, the bound
calcium level will be low. Therefore the free ionized calcium level will be low in the blood. That means in order to
have a adequate calcium level in your patient, the patient has to have an adequate albumin level. Feed them
protein so their liver makes protein, albumin.
The Electrolyte Calcium, Albumin and Phosphorus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D1L-Id_hYg
Diet For Renal Patient
Renal (kidney) failure means that your kidneys are not able to get rid of all the wastes from your blood. These wastes
come from the foods you eat and the liquids you drink. Renal failure usually happens slowly over time. Dialysis treatments
remove extra wastes from your blood with a dialysis machine when your kidneys cannot do this job. Renal failure may
happen because of diabetes, high blood pressure or other health problems.
Fluid Control Is important!
Kidneys help control the amount of fluid that leaves your body. If your kidney disease progresses, your kidneys may be
unable to regulate the removal of fluid from your body and as a result your doctor may ask you to limit your fluid intake.
Too much fluid may cause swelling, shortness of breath, or high blood pressure.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a mineral that works with calcium to keep your bones healthy and strong. Phosphorus is needed by the
body for building and maintaining bones and teeth and for normal nerve and muscle function. When kidney function
declines, the body has a difficult time keeping phosphorus and calcium in balance. As a result of this imbalance, the body
cannot get rid of excess phosphorus (phosphorus levels increase) and the body cannot take in enough calcium (calcium
levels decrease). To try and correct this imbalance the body will “steal” calcium from the bones, which makes the bones
weak. Problems associated with high phosphorus levels include itchy skin, bone and joint pain, and brittle bones.
Foods that are high in phosphorus include:
• Cola Drinks
• Peanut Butter
• Cheese
• Sardines
• Chicken/beef liver
• Nuts
• Caramels
• Beer
• Ice Cream
Lower phosphorus food substitutes include:
• Broccoli
• Non-dairy milk substitute
• Sherbet
• Non-cola soda
• Zucchini squash
• Hard Candy
Potassium
Potassium helps to keep your nerves and muscles, especially your heart, working properly. Potassium is a mineral and
can be found in many foods. The kidneys are responsible for helping to keep the correct amount of potassium in your
body. It can be very dangerous if your potassium level is too high. Too much potassium can make your heart beat
irregularly or even stop without warning.
Foods that are high in potassium include the following:
Fruits Vegetables Other Food
Bananas Broccoli Chocolate
Oranges Potatoes Coffee (limit to 2 cups per day)
Cantaloupe Tomatoes Salt Substitute
Prunes Mushrooms Bran & bran products
Raisins Greens (swiss chard, Nuts & dried fruit
Collard, dandelion,
Mustard, and beet)
Apricots
Low-potassium foods include the following:
Fruits Vegetables Other Food
Apples Beans (green or wax) Rice
Grapes Cucumber Noodles
Pears Onions Cake
Watermelon Lettuce Cereal
Cranberries Carrots Bread & bread products
Cherries
Protein
Before making any changes to your diet, make sure you discuss them with your doctor or dietitian.
Diet plays an important role in the management of kidney disease. The diet your physician will ask you to follow will be
based upon your level of kidney function, your body size, and any other medical conditions you may have. Your diet may
be helpful in delaying the need for dialysis.
Protein is needed to maintain muscles, aid in building resistance to infections, and repair and replace body tissue.
As your body breaks down protein foods, waste products called urea are formed. As kidney function declines, urea builds
up in the bloodstream.
Eating to much protein may cause urea to build up more quickly. This will make you feel sick.
Eating less protein may be helpful in reducing your blood urea levels.
Reducing protein intake must be monitored by your doctor and dietician.
Examples of foods high in protein are:
• Meat
• Poultry
• Milk Products
• Eggs
Foods low in protein includes the following:
• Fresh beans (pinto, kidney, navy)
• Grains
• Vegetables
Sodium
Sodium is needed by the body for many functions such as controlling muscle contractions, balancing fluids, and
controlling blood pressure. Healthy kidneys remove excess sodium in the urine. As kidney function declines, sodium and
fluids may accumulate in your body. Fluid retention may cause swelling in your eyes, hands, and/or ankles. To keep your
sodium level in balance, your doctor may ask you to limit the sodium in your diet.
Foods high in sodium include the following:
• Table salt
• Bouillon cubes
• Potato chips
• Nuts
• Bacon
• Cold Cuts
• Cheese
• Canned, dehydrated, or instant soup
• Canned vegetables
• Processed dinner mixes (such as Hamburger Helper, Rice-a-Roni)
Renal (kidney) failure means that your kidneys are not able to get rid of all the wastes from your blood. These wastes
come from the foods you eat and the liquids you drink. Renal failure is also known as chronic kidney disease or chronic
renal failure. Renal failure usually happens slowly over time. Some people eventually have total renal failure (end-stage
renal failure) and need dialysis treatments. Dialysis treatments remove extra wastes from your blood with a dialysis
machine when your kidneys cannot do this job. Renal failure may happen because of diabetes, high blood pressure or
other health problems.
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Protein: You will need to limit the amount of protein in your diet. This will help decrease the wastes in your
blood, helping your kidneys to work better. Foods that are high in protein are meat, poultry (chicken), fish, eggs, and
dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt).
Phosphorus: You will need to limit the amount of phosphorus in your diet. When you have kidney failure, your
kidneys cannot get rid of extra phosphorus that builds up in your blood. This may cause calcium to leave your
bones and make them weak. Foods that are high in phosphorus are dairy products, beans, peas and nuts. It is also
found in liquids such as cocoa, beer and cola drinks.
Sodium: You may have to limit the amount of sodium in your diet if you have certain health problems. These
may include high blood pressure or extra fluid in your body. Your caregiver will tell you how much sodium you
should have each day. Table salt, canned foods, processed meats like deli meats and sausage, soups and salted
snacks are high in sodium.
Potassium: Usually, you do not need to limit the amount of potassium in your diet. However, you may need to
limit potassium if you have too much potassium in your blood. Your caregiver will tell you if your blood levels of
potassium are too high. Potassium is found in fruits and vegetables. You may have to limit fruits and vegetables
that are high in potassium.