What dietary change should a client with heart failure make while taking spironolactone?

Clients taking spironolactone should refrain from eating foods high in potassium due to the medication’s potassium-sparing diuretic properties. Spironolactone helps to prevent potassium loss in the urine, which can lead to hyperkalemia—a condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood. Consuming additional potassium can increase the risk of this potentially life-threatening condition, especially in patients with heart failure whose kidney function may already be compromised.

Therefore, it is essential for individuals on spironolactone to monitor their potassium intake and limit high-potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy greens. Implementing this dietary change helps ensure a safe and effective treatment plan while managing heart failure.