An obese female client with a high serum cholesterol level comes to the clinic for a follow-up evaluation. She tells the nurse that she is now walking 30 minutes three times per week and is eating a carbohydrate-free, high-protein diet to lose weight. What response would be best for the nurse to provide?

A. Praising and encouraging continuation without addressing the dietary concern would reinforce a potentially harmful eating pattern that is not optimal for lowering cholesterol. B. Teaching additional cholesterol-lowering strategies like stress management is useful, but it does not directly correct the client’s misconception about her current diet. C. Explaining that a carbohydrate-free, high-protein diet is not the best approach is important because such diets often increase intake of saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels. A heart-healthy diet should emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. D. Discussing target heart rate is helpful for maximizing cardiovascular benefits of exercise, but it does not address the dietary misunderstanding that directly impacts cholesterol management.