Nutrition: High Potassium and Fiber Foods

Study Notes

Foods High in Nutrients

High potassium foods include bananas, cantaloupe, carrots, spinach, baked potatoes, oranges, and beets.
Fiber-rich foods consist of lentils, oats, avocados, legumes, and beans.
Healthy fats are primarily found in salmon and avocados.

Diets

A cardiac diet emphasizes low fat, low sodium, and low cholesterol intake.
The DASH diet is designed for hypertension management:
- High in potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
- Low in sodium.
- Includes grains, lean proteins (like salmon), legumes, nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Known to help reduce blood clot formation, contributing to cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular Medications

Nitroglycerin:
- Mechanism: Opens blood vessels, providing relief or prevention of angina, increasing cardiac output, and reducing blood pressure.
- Vital signs: Monitor BP and HR before and after administration; continuous BP monitoring required for IV use.
- Labs: Monitor INR.
- Nursing: Hold if BP drops below 90 systolic; monitor HR and BP every 5-15 minutes.
- Side effects include hypotension, tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness.
Digoxin (Lanoxin):
- Mechanism: Increases myocardial contraction force, prolongs AV node refractory period, decreases conduction through SA and AV nodes.
- Vital signs: Hold if HR is less than 60 bpm.
- Labs: Therapeutic range is 0.5-2 ng/mL.
- Nursing: Monitor apical pulse for a full minute; check at 5th intercostal space mid-clavicular line.
- Side effects include bradycardia, blurred vision, and GI upset. Signs of toxicity include yellow-green visual changes.

Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

Common options include aspirin, warfarin, and apixaban.
Mechanism: Slows the clotting process.
Monitoring: BP, HR, and bleeding signs are essential.
Labs: Monitor PT and APTT; hold if outside therapeutic range and monitor INR.
Nursing interventions: Avoid activities that increase injury risk, educate on safe grooming practices.
Side effects include dizziness, bleeding, and stomach upset.

ACE Inhibitors (suffix -pril)

Popular names include enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril.
Mechanism: Primarily used to treat hypertension, lowering BP.
Monitoring: Frequent BP and HR checks; watch for increased BUN and creatinine levels.
Nursing considerations: Use cautiously in renal impairment; assess for signs of angioedema, which includes abdominal cramping and shortness of breath.

Beta Blockers (suffix -lol)

Common drugs include atenolol, metoprolol, and labetalol.
Mechanism: Decrease BP and HR; reduce frequency/severity of angina; control arrhythmias.
Contraindicated for asthmatic patients.
Monitoring: Track BP, ECG, pulse, and daily weights.
Side effects include bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, and respiratory issues.

Description

Test your knowledge on foods rich in potassium and fiber, along with healthy fats. This quiz also covers dietary guidelines such as the Cardiac Diet and the DASH Diet, highlighting their benefits for heart health. Challenge yourself with questions related to nutritious options for maintaining a balanced diet.