What dietary adjustment should a nurse recommend for a client with high cholesterol?

Including more whole grains and fiber in the diet is a highly recommended approach for a client with high cholesterol. Whole grains, such as oats, brown rice, and whole wheat products, provide soluble fiber, which has been shown to help lower LDL cholesterol levels. This type of fiber binds to cholesterol in the digestive system, aiding in its removal from the body and helping to improve overall heart health.

Additionally, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that can support cardiovascular health. These foods contribute to a balanced diet that can help manage cholesterol effectively.

In contrast, increasing the intake of saturated fats would likely raise cholesterol levels further. Reducing fruit and vegetable consumption would eliminate important sources of fiber and nutrients crucial for heart health, while limiting protein intake is not specifically beneficial for managing cholesterol levels and could lead to other nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, the recommendation to include more whole grains and fiber directly addresses the need to lower high cholesterol levels.