Which statement demonstrates understanding of sodium-restricted diet for heart failure?

• A. Milk and cheese limited to 2 cups per day
• B. Salt can be added during cooking
• C. Diuretics should be taken only when eating salty foods
• D. Reduced-sodium foods contain 75% less sodium than regular

Answer: (A)

Limiting sodium intake helps reduce fluid volume and edema in heart failure, easing the heart’s workload. Demonstrating this, limiting dairy to two cups per day shows applying the restriction to a common food group, since milk and cheese contribute sodium to the diet. By keeping portions small, total daily sodium intake is lowered, which helps prevent fluid retention and related symptoms.

Adding salt during cooking would increase sodium, counteracting the diet plan. Diuretics are prescribed to manage fluid balance and are taken as directed, not only when salty foods are eaten. Reduced-sodium products exist, but labeling varies and doesn’t guarantee a specific, large percentage reduction like 75%.