Patient Dietary Plan

Discharge Instructions: Dietary Plan and Fluid Considerations

The patient with chronic conditions such as COPD, Hypertension, Heart failure and Diabetes can manage and/or improve their conditions with proper dietary choices. While the patient needs professional dietary planning from a Registered Dietician, there are basic guidelines and considerations that can be provided by the Registered Nurse. First, it is important to understand the basic components of a healthy diet. Some key components of a healthy diet include:

*Eat 5-6 small meals per day as opposed to 2-3 larger meals. Doing so increases the metabolism and better stabilizes blood sugar levels.

*Consume a variety of foods from these basic food groups: Fruits, grains, legumes, vegetables,

Studies have shown that large amounts of carbohydrates may worsen COPD. “High carbohydrate load provided in the parenteral solution resulted in the use of glucose as the primary energy source, with the development of substantial increases in the carbon dioxide production and the respiratory quotient (Covelli HD).

*Consider 30 minutes of rest and/or bronchodilator (Proventil) therapy prior to meals if you find yourself too tired to eat.

*Eat larger meals, such as breakfast, when you are well rested. Save the smaller meals and/or snacks towards the end of the day when you may feel more tired.

Dietary guidelines for the patient with Hypertension/Heart Failure includes the following:

*Reduce your sodium intake. Try not to consume more than 2,000 mg. of sodium per day. Foods high in sodium include canned soups and vegetables, luncheon meats, seasonings and of course salt.

*Avoid alcohol

*Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, which can raise blood pressure and act as a diuretic.

*Remember that a healthy, well-balanced diet that contributes to weight loss can help reduce your blood pressure.

*Balance your fluid intake. Maintain a daily fluid intake of no more than 2 liters per day. Remember to reduce sodium intake as this will cause your body to retain

*Remember that medications used to treat Heart Failure, such as Furosemide (Lasix) can cause reduce potassium in the body and lead to an irregular heartbeat. Because of this, it is important to take your Potassium supplement as prescribed by your doctor.

Dietary guidelines for the patient with Diabetes includes the following:

* Eat 5-6 small meals per day as opposed to 2-3 larger meals. Doing so increases the metabolism and better stabilizes blood sugar levels.

*Carbs count! Along with eating 5-6 small meals per day, make sure to count and record the number of carbohydrates and sugar in each meal. Monitoring blood glucose levels as prescribed may help you to make appropriate dietary adjustments in order to normalize blood glucose levels.

*Record meals and blood glucose levels throughout the day and present the information to your Primary care physician.

*Watch for low blood sugar/hypoglycemia. “Symptoms of Hypoglycemia include, cool/clammy skin, hunger, erratic behavior, trembling or shaking (Grodner 331).” If any of these symptoms are experienced, consume one serving (15 grams) of sugar followed by a small meal. Check sugar and report incident to your