Which of the following can be a common cause of anxiety in patients with kidney disease?

Concerns about dietary restrictions are a common source of anxiety for patients with kidney disease. Dietary management is crucial for individuals with kidney conditions, as certain foods can exacerbate their condition or complicate treatment. For example, patients may need to limit their intake of potassium, phosphorus, or protein, which can lead to feelings of frustration and anxiety about what they can and cannot eat. This stress can be compounded by the fear of making dietary mistakes and the potential impact on their health. Managing these dietary restrictions can significantly affect their quality of life, leading to increased feelings of anxiety.

While expectations of high athletic performance and improvement of kidney function could potentially lead to stress, they are not universally applicable concerns across all patients with kidney disease. Likewise, an increase in social gatherings may either contribute to anxiety due to dietary concerns or not impact all patients in the same way. Hence, the particular focus on dietary restrictions highlights a significant and relatable source of anxiety for this patient population.