A nurse is assisting with the care of a client.

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the list of options.

After notifying the provider, the nurse should first

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and then

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A. Alternate activity and rest. Clients with heart failure should balance activity and rest to prevent overexertion and minimize cardiac workload. Frequent rest periods help conserve energy and reduce symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue.
B. Reduce sodium intake to 2 g per day. Limiting sodium intake helps prevent fluid retention and reduces the risk of worsening heart failure. Excess sodium contributes to increased blood volume and exacerbates symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath.
C. Consume a low-fiber diet. A low-fiber diet is not necessary for heart failure management. Adequate fiber intake is beneficial for preventing constipation, which can increase strain during bowel movements and lead to hemodynamic stress. A high-fiber diet is generally encouraged.
D. Gradually increase activity each day. Clients should slowly increase their activity level based on tolerance to improve cardiovascular function. Overexertion should be avoided, but regular, controlled exercise helps maintain mobility and enhance overall heart health.
E. Eat small, frequent meals each day. Eating smaller meals reduces gastric distension and minimizes pressure on the diaphragm, which can help alleviate shortness of breath. Large meals can increase metabolic demands and contribute to discomfort in clients with heart failure.

A. Discontinue this medication if this occurs again. Stopping a newly prescribed medication without consulting a provider is not recommended. Many medications, including antihypertensives, can cause lightheadedness, and adjustments or precautions should be discussed with a healthcare provider rather than discontinuing the drug independently.
B. Sit back down for a few minutes when this occurs. Lightheadedness upon standing is often due to orthostatic hypotension, which can be managed by sitting back down to allow blood pressure to stabilize. Slowly changing positions, staying hydrated, and rising gradually can also help minimize symptoms.
C. Restrict your daily fluid intake. Reducing fluid intake can worsen symptoms of orthostatic hypotension by decreasing blood volume, leading to further drops in blood pressure. Instead, maintaining adequate hydration is essential to support circulatory stability and prevent dizziness.
D. Take a daily potassium supplement. Unless there is a confirmed potassium deficiency, supplementation is unnecessary and could lead to hyperkalemia, especially if the client is on medications affecting potassium levels. Lightheadedness is more commonly related to blood pressure changes rather than potassium imbalances.