A home health nurse is visiting a client who has heart failure and a prescription for furosemide. The nurse identifies that the client has gained 2.5 kg (5 Ib) since the last visit 2 days ago.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Teach the client about foods low in sodium.
Determine medication adherence by the client.
Encourage the client to dangle the legs while sitting in a chair.
Notify the provider of the client’s weight gain.
The Correct Answer is D
This is because a weight gain of 2.5 kg (5 Ib) in 2 days indicates a worsening of heart failure and fluid retention, which may require an adjustment of the diuretic dose or other medications.
The provider should be informed of this change as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
Choice A is wrong because teaching the client about foods low in sodium is not the first action the nurse should take.
While a low-sodium diet is important for heart failure patients, it is not an urgent intervention and it does not address the immediate problem of fluid overload.
Choice B is wrong because determining medication adherence by the client is not the first action the nurse should take.
While it is important to assess if the client is taking furosemide as prescribed, it is not an urgent intervention and it does not rule out other causes of fluid retention, such as renal impairment or disease progression.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging the client to dangle the legs while sitting in a chair is not the first action the nurse should take.
While this may help reduce edema in the lower extremities, it does not address the underlying cause of fluid overload and it may worsen pulmonary congestion by increasing venous return to the heart.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Methimazole is an antithyroid medication that blocks the thyroid from making thyroid hormones. It is used to treat hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excess hormones. After taking methimazole for 2 months, the client should expect to see a reduction in the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, increased pulse rate, and heat intolerance. Increased sleeping is a sign of improved thyroid function, as hyperthyroidism can cause insomnia and restlessness.
Choice A is wrong because weight loss is a symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should lower the thyroid hormone levels and help the client gain weight.
Choice B is wrong because an increase in pulse rate is also a symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should lower the heart rate and blood pressure by reducing thyroid hormone levels.
Choice D is wrong because warmer skin is another symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should improve the client’s heat tolerance and make the skin cooler and less sweaty.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because the umbilicus is a potential site of infection and should be avoided when administering subcutaneous heparin.
Choice B is wrong because massaging the site after administering the medication can cause bruising and hematoma formation.
Choice C is wrong because a 21-gauge needle is too large for subcutaneous injection and can cause tissue trauma and bleeding.
A smaller needle, such as 25- or 27-gauge, should be used.
Choice D is wrong because aspirating before injecting the medication can increase the risk of hematoma formation and is not recommended for subcutaneous heparin.
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