Problems Caused by Dietary Issues or Mistake

Dietary issues can cause serious harm to a client. Some examples of these issues are:

• a very high dose of sodium (salt) to a client who has congestive heart failure and is on a severe sodium restriction may lead to fluid in the lungs and serious consequences;
• certain foods can interact with medications to reduce, slow, or change how the medications work in the body, or cause unpleasant side effects;
  Fundamentals of Caregiving, 3rd Edition • Module 9 • Lesson 1: Nutrition
• food allergies can cause deadly reactions, including suffocation because of swelling in the throat; or
• an individual with dysphagia may choke on food that is not appropriately modified.

Discuss with your instructor or a small group each of these possible dietary issues. How can a caregiver prevent these issues from happening?