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 A
Explanation
A. Albumin 3.1 g/dL (3.5 to 5.0 g/dL)
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver, and its levels are commonly used as an indicator of nutritional status, particularly protein status. In clients with liver dysfunction and receiving continuous tube feeding, a low albumin level indicates protein deficiency. Albumin plays a crucial role in maintaining oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, and decreased levels can lead to fluid shifts and edema, among other complications.
B. Transferrin 400 mg/dL (250 to 380 mg/dL):
Transferrin is a protein involved in iron transport. While high transferrin levels may indicate iron deficiency, they do not directly reflect protein deficiency.
C. Uric acid 2.3 mg/dL (2.7 to 7.3 mg/dL):
Uric acid is a waste product of metabolism. Low uric acid levels are not indicative of protein deficiency; instead, they may be seen in conditions such as liver dysfunction or decreased production of uric acid.
D. Total iron-binding capacity 488 mcg/dL (250 to 460 mcg/dL):
Total iron-binding capacity measures the amount of iron that can be bound by transferrin. Elevated total iron-binding capacity may indicate iron deficiency, but it does not directly reflect protein deficiency.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","F","G"]
Explanation
A. Antibiotic medication can be taken with or without food.
This statement is not specifically relevant to the discharge teaching for this client with pneumonia. However, the nurse should provide specific instructions regarding the administration of the antibiotic (cefazolin), which is typically administered intravenously in a healthcare setting and may not be taken orally at home.
B. The steroid dose will decrease each day.
Explanation: This information ensures that the client and caregiver are aware of the tapering regimen for the steroid medication (prednisone), which is essential to prevent adrenal insufficiency and other potential adverse effects associated with abrupt discontinuation.
C. Adjust the oxygen flow rate as needed to ease breathing.
Explanation: This information educates the client and caregiver on how to manage oxygen therapy effectively at home, ensuring optimal oxygen delivery and respiratory support.
D. Antibiotic therapy should be taken for 10 days.
The duration of antibiotic therapy for pneumonia depends on the specific antibiotic prescribed and the severity of the infection. The nurse should provide clear instructions based on the healthcare provider's prescription and guidelines.
E. Store the oxygen cylinder wrench with the oxygen tank.
While storing the oxygen cylinder wrench with the oxygen tank is a good practice, it is not directly related to discharge teaching for this client with pneumonia.
F. Steroid medication should be taken in the morning.
Explanation: Taking steroid medication (prednisone) in the morning helps minimize disruption of the body's natural cortisol rhythm and reduces the risk of insomnia associated with steroid use.
G. Ensure the oxygen delivery system is at least 8 feet from any heat source.
Explanation: Proper storage and placement of the oxygen delivery system reduce the risk of fire hazards associated with oxygen therapy, promoting safety within the home environment.
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