An active male patient who weighs 180 lb (81.65 kg) has undergone dietary instruction. The patient reports that his current diet consists of 60 g of fat, 200 mg of cholesterol, and 5 g of sodium per day. What a nurse advises the patient to do?

Correct option is D

According to AHA dietary guidelines, daily cholesterol intake should be less than 300 mg for healthy individuals and less than 200 mg for those with heart disease. Sodium intake should be less than 2,300 mg/day. Since this patient consumes 5 g sodium/day, the nurse should advise a reduction in sodium. Explanation of each option: • (a) Increase his cholesterol – This would increase cardiovascular risk. 200 mg is within acceptable limits, and there's no reason to raise it. • (b) Increase his sodium – Not advisable. 5 g = 5,000 mg/day, which exceeds the recommended limit and may lead to hypertension or cardiac issues. • (c) Decrease his cholesterol – He’s already at 200 mg/day, which is acceptable. No need for further reduction unless he has specific cardiac conditions. • (d) Decrease his sodium – Correct. His intake is more than double the recommended daily allowance. Sodium reduction helps control blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.