A client is being discharged home after being treated for heart failure (HF). Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's discharge teaching plan?
Weigh every morning.
Perform range of motion exercises.
Limit fluid intake to 1,500 mL daily.
Eat a high protein diet.
The Correct Answer is A
Regular weighing is an essential self-management strategy for clients with heart failure (HF). It helps monitor changes in fluid balance, which is crucial in managing HF symptoms. Sudden weight gain may indicate fluid retention, a worsening of HF, or the need for adjustments in medications or dietary restrictions. Daily weighing provides valuable information for both the client and healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of the HF management plan.
While performing range of motion exercises and maintaining mobility are important for overall health, they may not be specifically related to the management of heart failure. The focus of discharge teaching for HF is typically on monitoring symptoms, medication management, diet and fluid restrictions, and when to seek medical attention.
Limiting fluid intake to 1,500 mL daily may be a general recommendation for some clients with HF, but it is best to individualize fluid restrictions based on the client's specific needs. The client should follow the fluid restriction prescribed by their healthcare provider, which may vary depending on the severity of HF and other individual factors.
While maintaining a balanced diet, including adequate protein intake, is important for overall health, there may be specific dietary recommendations for clients with HF that go beyond a general instruction to eat a high protein diet. Dietary instructions for HF clients typically include sodium restriction, fluid restriction if necessary, and considerations for comorbidities and medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Nursing Interventions for Client Starting Clonazepam:
The following nursing interventions are appropriate for the client starting clonazepam 0.25 mg PO every 12 hours:
a. Screen for orthostatic hypotension:
Rationale:
- Clonazepam,like other benzodiazepines,can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression,which can lead to hypotension,particularly orthostatic hypotension.This occurs when blood pressure drops suddenly upon standing due to impaired autonomic nervous system regulation.
- Screening for orthostatic hypotension involves measuring the client's blood pressure and heart rate while lying down and then again after standing for 3 minutes.A significant drop in blood pressure (systolic decrease of 20 mmHg or diastolic decrease of 10 mmHg) or increase in heart rate (over 20 beats per minute) indicates orthostatic hypotension.
- Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension is crucial to prevent falls and other complications,especially in older adults or those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
b. Provide oral care at least twice a day:
Rationale:
- Clonazepam can cause dry mouth as a side effect,which can increase the risk of cavities,gum disease,and oral infections.
- Regular oral care helps to remove plaque and bacteria,promoting oral hygiene and preventing complications.Providing oral care at least twice a day,especially before bedtime and upon waking,is essential.
d. Assess mental status regularly:
Rationale:
- Clonazepam,while indicated for anxiety and insomnia,can paradoxically cause agitation,confusion,and even hallucinations in some individuals,particularly older adults or those with pre-existing psychiatric conditions.
- Regular assessment of mental status helps to identify any adverse behavioral or cognitive changes early on.This includes monitoring for anxiety,depression,suicidal ideation,confusion,disorientation,hallucinations,and changes in sleep patterns.
e. Assist the client to the bathroom:
Rationale:
- Clonazepam can cause drowsiness and dizziness,which can increase the risk of falls,especially in older adults or those with impaired mobility.
- Assisting the client to the bathroom and providing support during toileting activities helps to prevent falls and injuries.
Choices not included:
c. Monitor calcium levels:
- There is no specific indication for monitoring calcium levels with clonazepam use.
f. Have an opioid agonist at the bedside:
- Clonazepam is not indicated for pain management and does not interact significantly with opioid analgesics.Therefore,having an opioid agonist readily available is not a necessary intervention for clonazepam initiation.
Additional Considerations:
- Educate the client about the potential side effects of clonazepam,including drowsiness,dizziness,dry mouth,and cognitive changes.
- Advise the client to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking clonazepam,as this can increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.
- Instruct the client to take clonazepam exactly as prescribed and not to stop taking it abruptly,as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Monitor the client's sleep patterns and adjust the medication schedule if necessary.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The property of the drugs that, if shared by both, indicates a need to closely monitor the client for drug toxicity is:
Highly protein bound.
When a drug is highly protein bound, it means that a significant portion of the drug molecules bind to proteins in the bloodstream. This binding can affect the availability and distribution of the drug in the body. If two drugs are highly protein bound and administered together, they may compete for binding sites on the proteins, leading to increased levels of unbound (free) drug in the bloodstream. This can result in higher drug concentrations and an increased risk of drug toxicity.
Closely monitoring the client for drug toxicity is necessary when drugs are highly protein bound because there is a potential for increased drug levels and associated adverse effects. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of drug toxicity, as well as routine laboratory tests to assess liver and kidney function, may be necessary in these cases.
The other properties listed do not necessarily indicate a need for closer monitoring for drug toxicity:
- Low bioavailability refers to the fraction of an administered dose that reaches the systemic circulation in an active form. While low bioavailability can affect the effectiveness of a drug, it does not directly imply a need for closer monitoring for drug toxicity.
- Short half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug concentration in the body to be eliminated. While drugs with short half-lives may require more frequent dosing, this property does not inherently suggest a need for closer monitoring for drug toxicity.
- High therapeutic index indicates a wide margin of safety for a drug, meaning that the effective dose is significantly lower than the toxic dose. A high therapeutic index implies that the drug has a wide safety margin and is less likely to cause drug toxicity.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.