A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who had a left-sided stroke.

Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is choice D. Allow frequent rest periods.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging fluids is not appropriate for a client with heart failure. Clients with heart failure often experience fluid overload due to the heart’s inability to pump effectively, leading to fluid retention.Encouraging additional fluid intake can exacerbate this condition, worsening symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath.

Choice B rationale:

Measuring vital signs every 8 hours may not be frequent enough for a client with heart failure, especially if they are experiencing acute symptoms.More frequent monitoring is often necessary to detect changes in the client’s condition promptly and to manage symptoms effectively.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining weight weekly is not sufficient for a client with heart failure. Daily weight monitoring is crucial as it helps in detecting fluid retention early.Sudden weight gain can indicate worsening heart failure and the need for adjustments in treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Allowing frequent rest periods is essential for clients with heart failure. These clients often experience fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance due to reduced cardiac output.Frequent rest periods help in managing fatigue and preventing overexertion, which can worsen heart failure symptoms.

Apply foam handles to the client's eating utensils. This intervention can help the client grip the utensils better and improve their ability to eat.

Reasons why the other options are not answers:

Option A: Having an assistive personnel feed the client may decrease the client's autonomy.

Option C: Obtaining a referral for physical therapy may be helpful but does not address the immediate issue of difficulty with eating.

Option D: Asking the provider for a prescription for a pureed diet may not be necessary or desirable at this time.