Which statement best reflects CKD dietary teaching?

• A. Eat a high potassium diet
• B. Limit potassium if high; Avoid phosphate additives; Follow up for labs.
• C. Do not monitor labs.
• D. Increase phosphate intake

Answer: (B)

In CKD, the body’s ability to handle potassium and phosphate drops as kidney function declines, so the diet focuses on keeping those minerals in safe ranges and checking levels regularly. Limiting potassium when its level is high helps prevent dangerous heart rhythms, since high potassium can affect cardiac conduction. Phosphate is another tricky one: damaged kidneys can’t clear phosphate well, and many processed foods contain phosphate additives that are easily absorbed, so avoiding these additives helps control phosphate levels and supports bone health. Regular lab checks are essential to guide how strict to be with these restrictions and to adjust the plan as kidney function changes.

The other options don’t fit because a high potassium diet would raise risk of hyperkalemia, not lower it; not monitoring labs means you could miss rising potassium or phosphate and miss needed adjustments; increasing phosphate intake would worsen phosphate balance and related complications.