A nurse is caring for a client who has hypertension and a prescription for a 2-gram sodium diet. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend as having the lowest amount of sodium?

A 2-gram sodium diet is commonly prescribed for clients with hypertension to help reduce blood pressure and prevent fluid retention. Sodium intake directly influences fluid balance and vascular resistance, making dietary control an important non-pharmacologic intervention. Processed and preserved foods are typically high in sodium, while fresh or minimally processed foods contain very little. Nurses play a key role in educating clients on identifying low-sodium food choices. Rationale: A. Cheddar cheese contains a relatively high amount of sodium due to processing and preservation methods. Dairy products, especially aged cheeses, are commonly significant hidden sources of dietary sodium. Therefore, it is not an appropriate choice for a low-sodium diet. B. Salad dressing is typically high in sodium because of added preservatives, flavor enhancers, and seasoning agents. Even small servings can contribute significantly to daily sodium intake. This makes it unsuitable for a 2-gram sodium restricted diet. C. Frozen fruit is the lowest sodium option because it is minimally processed and contains no added salt in its natural form. Plain frozen fruits retain their nutritional value without sodium-based preservatives. This makes it an appropriate recommendation for clients requiring sodium restriction. D. Hot dogs are highly processed meats that contain large amounts of sodium used for curing, flavoring, and preservation. They are among the highest sodium-containing foods and should be avoided in sodium-restricted diets. Consumption can significantly exceed daily sodium limits quickly.