A client is admitted for an exacerbation of heart failure (HF) and is being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess.
In planning nursing care, which interventions should the nurse include? Select all that apply.
Weigh the client daily, in the morning.
Teach the client how to restrict dietary sodium.
Monitor coagulation laboratory values.
Observe for evidence of hypokalemia.
Encourage an oral fluid intake of 3,000 mL/day.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A rationale
Weighing the client daily, in the morning, is an important intervention for a client with heart failure (HF) being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess. Daily weights can help monitor the client’s fluid status and the effectiveness of the diuretic therapy.
Choice B rationale
Teaching the client how to restrict dietary sodium is an important intervention for a client with HF being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess. A low-sodium diet can help prevent fluid retention and exacerbation of HF3.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring coagulation laboratory values is not typically necessary for a client with HF being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess, unless the client is also receiving anticoagulant therapy.
Choice D rationale
Observing for evidence of hypokalemia is an important intervention for a client with HF being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess. Diuretics can cause loss of potassium, which can lead to hypokalemia.
Choice E rationale
Encouraging an oral fluid intake of 3,000 mL/day is not typically recommended for a client with HF being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess. Excessive fluid intake can exacerbate HF3.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is important in assessing overall physical health and detecting any potential neuromuscular disorders. However, in the context of a client with a history of heart failure and elevated potassium levels, this would not be the most critical intervention. High potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause serious heart rhythm disturbances.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide valuable information about the client’s hydration status and kidney function. In the case of heart failure, monitoring urine output can help assess the effectiveness of diuretic therapy and the progression of the disease. However, it is not the most immediate concern given the client’s high potassium levels.
Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention in this scenario. A serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is higher than the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and can cause life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client’s heart rhythm to detect any abnormalities caused by this electrolyte imbalance.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can help identify changes in neuromuscular function and is often used in neurological assessments. However, it is not the most critical intervention in the context of elevated potassium levels and heart failure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Using an electric heating pad when the pain is at its worst is not recommended for a client with gout. Heat can increase inflammation and exacerbate pain. Instead, applying a cold pack to the inflamed joint can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Choice B rationale
Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, can increase uric acid levels in the blood and exacerbate gout symptoms. Therefore, clients with gout should avoid taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid.
Choice C rationale
Consuming high-protein foods can increase uric acid levels in the blood and trigger a gout attack. Clients with gout are usually advised to follow a low-purine diet, which involves limiting the intake of high-purine foods such as red meat and seafood.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging active range of motion to limit stiffness may not be appropriate for a client with an acute gout attack. During an attack, moving the affected joint can be extremely painful. Rest and immobilization of the affected joint are usually recommended during this time.
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