A nurse counsels a client about sodium reduction to manage hypertension. Which food is HIGHEST in hidden sodium?

Sodium and hypertension: dietary sodium contributes to elevated blood pressure by increasing fluid retention and vascular resistance. The American Heart Association recommends less than 2,300 mg sodium/day for most adults; less than 1,500 mg for those with hypertension, heart failure, or kidney disease. HIDDEN SODIUM SOURCES are the major challenge — most Americans get 70-75% of sodium from PROCESSED and RESTAURANT FOODS, not from the salt shaker.

Highest-sodium processed foods: DELI MEATS (ham, turkey, salami: 600-1,500 mg per 2 oz serving); CANNED SOUPS (700-1,200 mg per cup); FROZEN DINNERS (800-2,300 mg per meal); BREAD/ROLLS (100-200 mg per slice — adds up quickly); CONDIMENTS (soy sauce: 900 mg per tablespoon; ketchup: 150 mg per tablespoon); CHEESE (processed cheese: 400 mg per oz); PIZZA; FAST FOOD. FRESH FOODS are naturally low sodium: fresh fruits, vegetables, plain meats, eggs, dry beans.

Teaching tips: read Nutrition Facts labels — look for sodium per serving; choose low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of canned goods; rinse canned beans and vegetables (reduces sodium 30-40%); use herbs, spices, lemon, vinegar instead of salt for flavoring; limit restaurant meals; be aware that 'reduced sodium' still may be high. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is the gold-standard dietary pattern for blood pressure: high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean protein; low in red meat, sweets, saturated fat, sodium.