The nurse is caring for a 53-year-old male admitted with hepatic encephalopathy.The patient's ammonia level is now 112 mcg/dL; the patient is awake, alert, and responsive; and orders to advance the diet as tolerated have been written.The nurse recognizes teaching has been effective if the patient chooses which of the following meals?
A)Baked cod, a banana, and skim milk
B)Cheeseburger, french fries, cottage cheese, and chocolate milkshake
C)Chicken pot pie with carrots, potatoes and green beans, wild rice, cheesecake, and iced tea
D)Open-faced roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli, and two cups of coffee

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best option for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy and an elevated ammonia level would be a low protein meal. Baked cod, a banana, and skim milk would be the best option because it is low in protein and dairy. Cheeseburger, french fries, cottage cheese, and chocolate milkshake contain high levels of protein and dairy which are not recommended for this patient. Chicken pot pie with carrots, potatoes and green beans, wild rice, cheesecake, and iced tea contains high levels of protein which are not recommended for this patient. Open-faced roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli, and two cups of coffee also contains high levels of protein and is not recommended for this patient.

The Nurse Is Caring for a 53-Year-Old Male Admitted with Hepatic