# A client with heart failure is being discharged with a 2,000-mg daily sodium limit. For each food item, drag it to the category that reflects the most appropriate clinical guidance based on the provided context.

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> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=568381&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Self-Care  
> category: HPM

## Question

A client with heart failure is being discharged with a 2,000-mg daily sodium limit. For each food item, drag it to the category that reflects the most appropriate clinical guidance based on the provided context.

**1.** Canned chicken noodle soup (1 cup): 890 mg sodium

Select a category
High sodium - limit or avoid
Lower sodium - generally safe choices
Moderate sodium - include with portion control

**2.** Turkey and cheese deli sandwich (1 sandwich): 1,450 mg sodium

Select a category
High sodium - limit or avoid
Lower sodium - generally safe choices
Moderate sodium - include with portion control

**3.** Frozen pepperoni pizza (1 slice): 720 mg sodium

Select a category
High sodium - limit or avoid
Lower sodium - generally safe choices
Moderate sodium - include with portion control

**4.** Canned green beans, drained and rinsed (1/2 cup): 320 mg sodium

Select a category
High sodium - limit or avoid
Lower sodium - generally safe choices
Moderate sodium - include with portion control

**5.** Low-fat cottage cheese (1/2 cup): 410 mg sodium

Select a category
High sodium - limit or avoid
Lower sodium - generally safe choices
Moderate sodium - include with portion control

**6.** Fresh grilled chicken breast (3 oz): 65 mg sodium

Select a category
High sodium - limit or avoid
Lower sodium - generally safe choices
Moderate sodium - include with portion control

**7.** Plain oatmeal cooked without salt (1 cup): 5 mg sodium

Select a category
High sodium - limit or avoid
Lower sodium - generally safe choices
Moderate sodium - include with portion control

**8.** Unsalted almonds (1 oz): 0 mg sodium

Select a category
High sodium - limit or avoid
Lower sodium - generally safe choices
Moderate sodium - include with portion control

## Explanation

Canned soup, a deli sandwich, and frozen pizza are high in sodium per serving and can quickly exceed the daily limit. Fresh chicken breast, plain oatmeal, and unsalted almonds are lower-sodium choices. Canned vegetables and cottage cheese are moderate but can be included if portions are controlled and other meals are low sodium. The client should read labels and total sodium across all meals.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Canned soup, deli sandwich, and frozen pizza are high-sodium items that should be limited or avoided. Fresh chicken breast, plain oatmeal, and unsalted almonds are lower-sodium alternatives. Canned vegetables and cottage cheese are moderate-sodium items that can be included with portion control.

Why this is correct
The daily sodium limit is 2,000 mg. High-sodium foods can provide 500-1,000 mg or more per serving, leaving little room for other meals. Lower-sodium foods provide less than 140 mg per serving. Moderate-sodium foods provide 140-400 mg per serving and can be included if the total daily intake is monitored.

Clinical picture
In heart failure, excess sodium causes fluid retention, worsening symptoms. Teaching should focus on reading labels, choosing fresh or unseasoned foods, and controlling portions of moderate-sodium items.

Memory hook
High sodium: >400 mg per serving; moderate: 140-400 mg; low: <140 mg. Daily limit 2,000 mg.

NCLEX decision rule
Classify foods by sodium content per serving and consider how they fit into the total daily limit.

Why the alternatives are wrong
Canned vegetables and cottage cheese are not low sodium, but they can be included with portion control. They are not as high as canned soup or deli meat.

Sources
1NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan
2FDA: Sodium in Your Diet

## Clinical scenario

Discharge teaching session
The client asks about specific foods. For each item, consider the sodium content per serving, typical portion sizes, and how it fits into a daily 2,000-mg limit when combined with other meals.

## Key concepts

- **Sodium restriction** — Limiting sodium intake to reduce fluid retention and workload on the heart in heart failure.
- **Serving size** — The amount of food typically consumed at one time, used to calculate nutrient intake.
- **Daily value** — Reference amount of a nutrient to consume or not exceed each day, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

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