Question

A patient is upset because he has been placed on a special therapeutic diet because of his high b/p. He is concerned that he will not be successful with his diet change. How can you encourage him to follow the physicians orders to improve his health?

Answer 1

Many chronic diseases can be prevented and managed through dietary interventions.
Dietary interventions can help manage hypertension and prevent further complications. The therapeutic diet prescribed for hypertension usually consists of low salt or sodium intake and restrictions to high fat foods.
Adherence to dietary interventions is very important for success of it.

Some of the important steps theough which a nurse can motivate a patient to follow the diet prescribed are:

1. Firstly educate the patient about the diet prescribed to him and what are the components of the diet. Usually a diet recommended for high blood pressure includes restriction on sodium intake, taking ample amount of of liquid and avoiding high fat foods such as butter, oily food.
2. Educate the patient how usefull the diet can be to control and manage the hypertension. Explain the patient that following the diet will help in better and efficient working of his heart. Low fat diet will help prevent excess body fat ans accumulation of plaque in the arteries which can lead to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
3. Teach the patient about some simple steps to follow to successfully adhere to the diet. Teach the patient about self monitoring of food intake by maintaining a diary. The patient can start with simple diet plans.
4. Eating everything in moderation and taking small portions will help the patient.
5. Report daily dietary intake to your partner or doctor which will keep you motivated.
6. Simple behaviour changes such as eating home cooked food, fresh food and avoiding canned food is also helpful.