A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of heart failure. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Exercise at least three times per week.
Notify the provider of a weight gain of 0.5 kg (1 lb) in a week.
Take diuretics early in the morning and before bedtime.
Take naproxen for generalized discomfort.
The Correct Answer is A
a. This is appropriate as regular, moderate exercise can help improve cardiovascular health and functional capacity in clients with heart failure. It is essential to discuss appropriate types and levels of exercise based on the individual’s condition.
b. This is incorrect because clients should be instructed to notify the provider if they gain 1 kg (2.2 lbs) in one day or 2 kg (4.4 lbs) in one week. A weight gain of 0.5 kg is not typically a threshold for concern.
c. Take diuretics early in the morning and before bedtime is wrong because it may disrupt the client's sleep patern and cause nocturia. The nurse should advise the client to take diuretics early in the morning and avoid taking them in the evening or at night, unless prescribed otherwise.
d. Take naproxen for generalized discomfort is wrong because naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can worsen heart failure by causing sodium and water retention, increasing blood pressure, and reducing the effectiveness of diuretics and other heart failure medications. The nurse should advise the client to avoid NSAIDs and use acetaminophen or other alternatives for pain relief, as prescribed by the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Using simple language is helpful, but speaking in a childlike manner can be demeaning and may lower the client’s self-esteem. Communication should remain respectful and age-appropriate.
B. Incorporating nonverbal cues such as gestures, facial expressions, pictures, and written words supports understanding. Clients with aphasia often benefit from visual aids and other alternative communication strategies to enhance comprehension.
C. Raising the pitch of the voice does not improve comprehension in aphasia because the issue is related to language processing rather than hearing ability. A normal tone should be maintained unless the client has a hearing impairment.
D. Asking multiple-choice questions can sometimes assist with expressive aphasia; however, relying solely on this method may limit natural communication. The broader and more supportive approach is to incorporate nonverbal communication techniques.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Asthma typically presents with wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. While dyspnea is a symptom, tachycardia and weak peripheral pulses are not characteristic findings associated with asthma.
B. Aortic valve regurgitation may cause dyspnea and fatigue, but it is more commonly associated with bounding pulses and diastolic murmur rather than weak peripheral pulses.
C. Heart failure is characterized by symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, tachycardia, and weak peripheral pulses due to reduced cardiac output and poor perfusion to the extremities. The nurse should recognize these signs as indicative of heart failure.
D. Aortic stenosis can lead to symptoms like dyspnea and fatigue; however, it typically presents with a triad of symptoms including exertional dyspnea, angina, and syncope, rather than weak peripheral pulses.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today