Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What should the nurse advise a patient with heart failure about their dietary needs?

1. Increase sodium intake for better hydration

2. Avoid high-protein diets

3. Focus on a balanced diet for overall health

4. Prioritize calorie restriction to lose weight

The correct answer is: Focus on a balanced diet for overall health

Advising a patient with heart failure to focus on a balanced diet for overall health is essential for managing their condition effectively. A balanced diet ensures that patients receive an appropriate mix of macro and micronutrients, which can help in maintaining their energy levels, supporting heart function, and improving overall well-being. In this context, a well-balanced diet typically includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while maintaining appropriate fluid and sodium restrictions to help control symptoms and prevent exacerbations of heart failure. This approach can help patients manage their weight, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular health, which are crucial aspects of heart failure management. While other dietary considerations are also important for heart failure patients, such as sodium restriction to manage fluid retention and weight management to prevent further cardiac strain, a broadly defined balanced diet serves as the foundation for promoting health and preventing complications in these patients.