A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is taking furosemide.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for the nurse to intervene?
“I’m urinating in larger amounts.”
“I have to sleep sitting up.”
“I suck on hard candy for my dry mouth.”
“I’ve lost 3 pounds in the last week.”
The Correct Answer is B
This statement indicates that the client has orthopnea, which is a sign of worsening heart failure and fluid overload. The nurse should intervene by assessing the client’s vital signs, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, and edema, and notifying the provider for possible diuretic adjustment.
Choice A is wrong because “I’m urinating in larger amounts.” is an expected outcome of taking furosemide, which is a loop diuretic that increases urine output and reduces fluid retention.
Choice C is wrong because “I suck on hard candy for my dry mouth.” is a harmless way to cope with the side effect of dry mouth caused by furosemide.
Choice D is wrong because “I’ve lost 3 pounds in the last week.” is a positive sign that the client is losing excess fluid and improving their heart failure
condition. A weight loss of 2 to 4 pounds per week is acceptable for clients taking diuretics.
Normal ranges for heart failure clients are:
- Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg
- Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute
- Oxygen saturation: greater than 95%
- Weight: stable or decreasing within 2 to 4 pounds per week
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Observe the client’s body language during the conversation. This action will help the nurse to assess the client’s nonverbal cues and emotions, which can enhance communication and understanding. The nurse should also determine the client’s understanding several times during the conversation and use lay terms if possible.
Choice A is wrong because avoiding asking the client personal questions can hinder rapport building and prevent the nurse from obtaining important information about the client’s health and needs.
Choice C is wrong because maintaining eye contact with the interpreter when asking questions can show disrespect and disinterest to the client and his family. The nurse should look at the client and his family when asking questions, not at the interpreter.
Choice D is wrong because including medical terminology when discussing the client’s condition can confuse the client and his family and create barriers to communication. The nurse should use simple and clear language that the client and his family can understand.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This instruction helps the client to establish a baseline of their bladder function and identify their voiding patterns. It also helps the nurse to design an individualized bladder-training program for the client.
Choice B is wrong because drinking 4 liters of fluid between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. is excessive and can increase the frequency and urgency of urination. The client should drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration and constipation, but avoid drinking large amounts at one time or before bedtime.
Choice C is wrong because voiding every 2 hours while awake is not a bladder- training technique, but a scheduled toilet trip. Bladder training requires following a fixed voiding schedule and delaying urination after feeling the urge to go. Voiding every 2 hours may not allow the bladder to fill sufficiently and may interfere with the goal of increasing the bladder capacity.
Choice D is wrong because eliminating caffeine from the diet is not a specific instruction for bladder training, but a general lifestyle strategy to ease bladder problems. Caffeine can irritate the bladder and act as a diuretic, which can increase urine production and frequency.
However, eliminating caffeine alone may not be enough to improve urinary incontinence.
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