A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has heart failure. Which of the following lifestyle modifications should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

 

Choice A Reason:

Swollen and enlarged veins, also known as varicose veins, are a common manifestation of peripheral venous disease (PVD). This condition occurs when the valves in the veins become weak or damaged, leading to blood pooling and increased pressure within the veins. This results in the veins becoming enlarged, twisted, and visible under the skin1. Varicose veins can cause discomfort, pain, and a heavy feeling in the legs. They are often exacerbated by prolonged standing or sitting and can be a cosmetic concern as well.

Choice B Reason:

Loss of pigmentation over the shin area is not typically associated with peripheral venous disease. This symptom is more commonly seen in conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where prolonged venous hypertension leads to skin changes, including hyperpigmentation and lipodermatosclerosis. However, it is not a primary manifestation of PVD itself.

Choice C Reason:

A shiny appearance to the lower extremities is more commonly associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) rather than peripheral venous disease. In PAD, reduced blood flow to the extremities can cause the skin to become thin, shiny, and hairless. This is due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the skin and underlying tissues. In contrast, PVD primarily affects the veins and does not typically cause these skin changes.

Choice D Reason:

Diminished hair growth on the lower extremities is another symptom more commonly associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In PAD, the reduced blood flow to the extremities can lead to hair loss, as the hair follicles do not receive adequate oxygen and nutrients. Peripheral venous disease, on the other hand, does not usually cause hair loss. Instead, it is characterized by symptoms related to venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins, swelling, and skin changes.

Choice A Reason

Acetaminophen is often used to manage pain and fever, but it is not the primary treatment for pericarditis. While it can help alleviate discomfort, it does not address the inflammation associated with pericarditis12.

Choice B Reason:

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat and prevent various types of serious irregular heartbeats, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. It is not typically used for treating pericarditis, as it does not address the inflammation or pain associated with the condition.

Choice C Reason:

Colchicine is recommended as part of the first-line treatment for pericarditis. It helps reduce inflammation and the risk of recurrent pericarditis when used in conjunction with NSAIDs5. Colchicine is effective in managing symptoms and preventing recurrences.

Choice D Reason:

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with pericarditis. NSAIDs are commonly prescribed for pericarditis to help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. Indomethacin, along with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, is often part of the first-line treatment for this condition.

Choice E Reason:

Nitroglycerine is primarily used to treat angina (chest pain) and heart failure by dilating blood vessels and reducing the heart’s workload. It is not typically used for treating pericarditis, as it does not address the inflammation or pain associated with the condition.