NCLEX Practice Test

For a patient with renal failure, a low-protein diet is recommended primarily to reduce the workload on the kidneys. In renal failure, the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products effectively, including those produced from protein metabolism. A high-protein diet would lead to the accumulation of nitrogenous waste in the bloodstream, which can worsen kidney function and lead to further complications such as uremia.

By adopting a low-protein diet, patients can help slow the progression of kidney disease and manage symptoms associated with renal failure. Instead of eliminating protein entirely, the focus can be on the quality and type of protein consumed, often emphasizing high-biological value proteins, which can provide essential amino acids in smaller quantities.

While a low-sodium diet and low-potassium diet are also considerations in managing renal failure, they address different aspects of the condition. Sodium restriction helps manage hypertension and fluid retention, while potassium restriction prevents hyperkalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac complications. The key dietary modification that directly impacts kidney workload and urine output in renal failure is the low-protein diet.