A 73-year-old patient has increased pulmonary pressure resulting in right heart failure. What could be a potential cause for the right heart to fail?

Choice A rationale
Smoking cigarettes can exacerbate the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease by causing further constriction of the blood vessels. Therefore, a patient who continues to smoke cigarettes may need further education about the management of Raynaud’s disease.
Choice B rationale
Eating bananas twice a day is not typically a concern for patients with Raynaud’s disease.
Choice C rationale
Wearing mittens outside, especially in cold weather, is a recommended strategy for managing Raynaud’s disease. It can help to prevent episodes of Raynaud’s by keeping the hands warm and reducing exposure to cold temperatures.
Choice D rationale
Taking calcium channel blockers is a common treatment for Raynaud’s disease. These medications help to relax and open up the small blood vessels in the hands and feet, reducing the severity and frequency of Raynaud’s episodes.

Choice A rationale
Education on the necessity of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis is crucial for patients who have just recovered from rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever.
Patients who have had rheumatic fever are at risk of getting it again if they have another strep infection. Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis can prevent recurrent infections and the development of rheumatic heart disease.
Choice B rationale
While anticoagulation therapy may be necessary for some patients with heart conditions, it is not typically the most important nursing action for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause inflammation and damage to the heart valves, but it does not typically cause blood clots, which are the primary reason for anticoagulation therapy.
Choice C rationale
Adherence to standard infection control procedures is important for all patients, but it is not the most important nursing action for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever. The primary concern for these patients is preventing recurrent strep infections, which can be achieved through continuous antibiotic prophylaxis.
Choice D rationale
While physical activity management may be part of the overall care plan for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever, it is not typically the most important nursing action. The primary concern for these patients is preventing recurrent strep infections, which can be achieved through continuous antibiotic prophylaxis.