A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic kidney disease and a new prescription for epoetin alfa. The nurse should instruct the client to increase dietary intake of which of the following substances?

A. Iron: Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, but adequate iron stores are necessary for hemoglobin synthesis. Increasing dietary iron supports the effectiveness of epoetin alfa and helps correct anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. B. Sodium: Clients with chronic kidney disease are typically advised to restrict sodium to control hypertension and fluid retention. Increasing sodium intake would worsen edema and cardiovascular strain rather than support therapy. C. Protein: Although protein is important for tissue repair, clients with chronic kidney disease are usually placed on a restricted protein diet to reduce nitrogenous waste buildup. Increasing protein would not enhance epoetin alfa’s effectiveness. D. Potassium: Potassium levels are closely monitored in chronic kidney disease, and most clients are placed on potassium restriction to prevent hyperkalemia. Increasing potassium intake could be dangerous and lead to life-threatening cardiac complications.