A nurse is providing discharge teaching about safety considerations to an older adult client who lives at home. The client has heart failure and a new prescription for hydrochlorothiazide. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"I will weigh myself once weekly."
"I will take my new medication in the evening."
"I will take a hot bath before going to bed."
"I will leave a light on in my bathroom at night."
The Correct Answer is D
A. "I will weigh myself once weekly." Clients with heart failure should weigh themselves daily to monitor for fluid retention. A sudden weight gain (e.g., 2-3 lbs in 24 hours or 5 lbs in a week) may indicate worsening heart failure and should be reported to the provider.
B. "I will take my new medication in the evening." Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that increases urine output. Taking it in the evening can lead to nocturia and sleep disturbances. Instead, it should be taken in the morning to minimize nighttime urination.
C. "I will take a hot bath before going to bed." Hot baths can cause vasodilation, leading to a drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), which increases the risk of dizziness and falls, especially in older adults taking diuretics. A warm (not hot) bath is safer.
D. "I will leave a light on in my bathroom at night." Older adults, especially those taking diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, are at increased risk for nocturia and falls due to frequent trips to the bathroom. Keeping a light on in the bathroom at night enhances visibility and reduces the risk of falls, which is a major concern in this population.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client leans to the left side while sitting: While leaning to one side may indicate weakness or impaired balance, it is not as immediately concerning as the risk of aspiration. Addressing issues related to positioning and balance is important but may not pose an immediate threat to the client's safety.
B. The client coughs frequently while eating.
Coughing frequently while eating can indicate a risk of aspiration, which is a serious concern in stroke patients with left-sided weakness. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory complications. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to address this finding promptly to prevent potential respiratory compromise.
C. The client is consuming 25% of their meals: Poor oral intake and difficulty eating are concerning but do not pose an immediate threat to the client's safety compared to the risk of aspiration. However, addressing inadequate nutrition and hydration is essential for the client's overall health and recovery.
D. The client's blood pressure is 142/94 mm Hg: While monitoring blood pressure is important, especially in stroke patients who may have hypertension, the blood pressure reading provided does not indicate a hypertensive crisis or immediate risk to the client's safety. Therefore, it is not the priority finding compared to the risk of aspiration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client adjusts the head of their bed to 90°: Adjusting the head of the bed to 90° is a correct action for clients with dysphagia as it helps facilitate swallowing by promoting an upright position, reducing the risk of aspiration.
B. The client drinks their thickened juice with a straw.
Drinking thickened liquids with a straw is not recommended for clients with dysphagia. Straws can increase the risk of aspiration, as they bypass the natural protection mechanisms in the mouth and throat that help prevent liquids from entering the airway. Therefore, the nurse should intervene and provide the client with an appropriate drinking cup instead of a straw when consuming thickened liquids.
C. The client tucks their chin when they swallow: Tucking the chin when swallowing is a recommended technique for clients with dysphagia, as it helps close off the airway and directs the food or liquid toward the esophagus, reducing the risk of aspiration.
D. The client takes frequent breaks while eating: Taking frequent breaks while eating is a beneficial strategy for clients with dysphagia, as it allows them to rest and swallow safely without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by large amounts of food or liquid.
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