The nurse prepares to teach a client with stage 3 chronic kidney disease to maintain adequate nutritional intake. Which diet should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale: A. A high-protein diet can accelerate the progression of kidney disease because excessive protein intake increases glomerular workload. High-carbohydrate intake may be acceptable for energy, but the high-protein aspect makes this choice inappropriate. B. Low-protein intake is correct for CKD, but a high-potassium diet is unsafe. Clients with stage 3 CKD have impaired potassium excretion, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. C. A low-protein, low-sodium, low-potassium diet is recommended for stage 3 CKD. Reducing protein intake helps slow disease progression, limiting sodium helps control blood pressure and fluid retention, and controlling potassium prevents dangerous electrolyte imbalances. This is the safest and most appropriate dietary approach for maintaining nutritional needs while protecting kidney function. D. A diet high in calcium, potassium, and protein is unsafe for stage 3 CKD. High potassium and protein intake can exacerbate CKD complications, and excessive calcium can contribute to vascular calcification in patients with kidney disease.