As part of the treatment for congestive heart failure, the child takes the diuretic furosemide. As part of teaching home care, the nurse encourages the family to give the child foods such as bananas, oranges, and leafy vegetables. These foods are recommended because they are high in what electrolyte?
Potassium.
Sodium.
Chlorides.
Zinc.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Potassium.
Choice A rationale:
Diuretics like furosemide are commonly used to treat congestive heart failure. They work by increasing the excretion of water and electrolytes, including potassium, from the body. Low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) can lead to various complications, including cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Since furosemide can cause potassium loss, it's important to ensure an adequate intake of potassium-rich foods. Bananas, oranges, and leafy vegetables are excellent sources of potassium. Therefore, the nurse encourages the family to include these foods in the child's diet to help maintain a healthy potassium balance.
Choice B rationale:
Sodium is an important electrolyte, but in the context of congestive heart failure and diuretic use, the focus is more on avoiding excessive sodium intake. Diuretics like furosemide aim to reduce fluid retention by increasing sodium excretion, so it's not necessary to recommend high-sodium foods. Moreover, excessive sodium intake could exacerbate fluid retention and worsen the heart failure.
Choice C rationale:
Chlorides are often found in table salt (sodium chloride) and are not typically emphasized in the context of heart failure treatment or diuretic use. While they play a role in maintaining electrolyte balance, they are not the primary focus in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Zinc is a mineral that is not directly related to the treatment of congestive heart failure or the use of diuretics. It is important for various cellular functions and immune system support, but it's not the electrolyte of concern in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C: Administering penicillin.
Choice A rationale:
Imposing strict bed rest for 4 to 6 weeks. This choice is not the most appropriate therapeutic management for rheumatic fever. While rest is important during the acute phase, strict bed rest for 4 to 6 weeks is excessive and could lead to physical deconditioning and psychological distress for the child.
Choice B rationale:
Administering corticosteroids if chorea develops. This choice is relevant to the management of rheumatic fever but is not the primary treatment. Chorea is a movement disorder that can occur as a complication of rheumatic fever. Corticosteroids may be used to manage chorea symptoms, but they are not the mainstay of treatment for rheumatic fever itself.
Choice C rationale:
Administering penicillin. This is the correct choice. Penicillin is the mainstay of treatment for rheumatic fever. It helps eradicate the group A streptococcal infection that triggers the inflammatory response leading to rheumatic fever. Penicillin is essential to prevent further complications such as rheumatic heart disease.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding salicylates (aspirin). This choice is also relevant to the management of rheumatic fever. Salicylates, including aspirin, are used to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation. However, in children with acute rheumatic fever, salicylates are contraindicated due to the risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a serious condition that affects the brain and liver.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Wearing cotton underpants.
Choice A rationale:
Wearing cotton underpants is the recommended option to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young girls. Cotton underpants allow better air circulation, which helps to keep the perineal area dry. This reduces the growth of bacteria and prevents moisture buildup, which are crucial in preventing UTIs. Synthetic fabrics can trap moisture and create a conducive environment for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of UTIs.
Choice B rationale:
Limiting bathing as much as possible is not an appropriate recommendation for preventing UTIs. Hygiene is essential to prevent UTIs, and regular bathing is part of maintaining cleanliness. Overly limiting bathing can lead to poor hygiene practices and may not significantly prevent UTIs, as they are often caused by factors beyond bathing frequency.
Choice C rationale:
Increasing fluids and decreasing salt intake can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly prevent UTIs. While staying hydrated is important for maintaining urinary health, simply increasing fluids and reducing salt intake might not be sufficient to prevent UTIs. Hygiene practices and proper perineal care play a more significant role in preventing UTIs.
Choice D rationale:
Cleansing the perineum with water after voiding is a good hygiene practice, but it alone may not be enough to prevent UTIs. While maintaining cleanliness is crucial, using water to cleanse the perineum after voiding should be combined with other practices, such as wearing cotton underpants and proper wiping techniques, to effectively prevent UTIs.
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