What dietary recommendation should a nurse make for a client with cholelithiasis?

When managing a client with cholelithiasis, which is the presence of gallstones, dietary recommendations play a crucial role in minimizing symptoms and preventing complications. The correct recommendation is to choose desserts such as angel-food cake.

Angel-food cake is low in fat and does not contain heavy cream or butter, making it a suitable option for someone with cholelithiasis. A low-fat diet is often recommended for these clients to help reduce the secretion of bile, which is needed to digest fats. Reducing fat intake minimizes the risk of triggering gallbladder pain or complications associated with gallstones.

In contrast, opting for fatty desserts, fried foods, or sugary snacks can exacerbate the condition by stimulating the gallbladder to secrete more bile. These high-fat and high-sugar options can lead to discomfort, increase gallbladder inflammation, or provoke gallstone attacks. Therefore, selecting a light, low-fat dessert like angel-food cake aligns well with dietary guidelines for clients with cholelithiasis.