A client with a history of heart failure arrives at the emergency department describing an onset of fatigue and weakness.

The client has been taking spironolactone 50 mg tablets PO every day.

The nurse receives a report from the lab that the client has a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L (6.2 mmol/L). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Choice A rationale
Teaching the client how to use guided imagery can be a helpful intervention for coping with feelings related to death and dying. Guided imagery can help the client to relax, reduce stress and anxiety, and find comfort.

Choice B rationale
Instructing the client and family to reconsider end of life choices is not typically an appropriate intervention. The nurse should respect the client’s end of life choices and provide support, rather than suggesting they reconsider.
Choice C rationale
Recording the client’s desire to live is not typically an intervention used in hospice care. The focus in hospice care is on providing comfort and quality of life, rather than on prolonging life.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging the family to bring the client old photographs can be a helpful intervention. Looking at old photographs can stimulate memories and conversations, providing comfort and connection.
Choice E rationale
Encouraging the family to visit frequently can be a beneficial intervention. Frequent visits can provide the client with emotional support and companionship, which can be comforting when coping with feelings related to death and dying.

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.