The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. What would the nurse expect to find?

Ascending edema

The client has no desire to eat.

The client sleeps on three pillows at night.

The client has a five pound weight gain.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Ascending edema:

Ascending edema, also known as dependent edema, is typically associated with right-sided heart failure rather than left-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation is compromised, leading to fluid backup in the systemic circulation. This fluid accumulates in the dependent areas of the body, such as the lower extremities (legs and ankles), causing swelling that can ascend upwards if left untreated. However, ascending edema is not a characteristic finding in left-sided heart failure, where pulmonary congestion and orthopnea are more common manifestations.

B. The client has no desire to eat:

While decreased appetite can occur in heart failure due to various factors such as fluid retention, abdominal bloating, or medication side effects, it is not a specific hallmark of left-sided heart failure. Symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea (shortness of breath), orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying flat), and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) are more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure. These symptoms result from the impaired function of the left ventricle, leading to pulmonary congestion and inadequate oxygenation.

C. The client sleeps on three pillows at night:

This choice is the correct answer. Sleeping on three pillows at night is a classic manifestation of orthopnea, a condition commonly seen in left-sided heart failure. Orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing while lying flat, which is alleviated by elevating the head and upper body with multiple pillows or sleeping in a semi-upright position. Orthopnea occurs due to the redistribution of fluid from the legs and lower body to the lungs when lying down, resulting in pulmonary congestion and respiratory distress.

D. The client has a five-pound weight gain:

Weight gain is a common symptom of fluid retention in heart failure; however, a specific weight gain of five pounds alone may not be indicative of left-sided heart failure without considering other clinical signs and symptoms. In heart failure, weight gain is often associated with fluid overload, which can lead to edema, dyspnea, orthopnea, and other signs of congestion. It's important to assess the client comprehensively for fluid status, including evaluating for edema, respiratory symptoms, and changes in weight over time, to determine the underlying cause of weight gain.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "I will have canned chicken noodle soup with crackers and an apple for lunch": Canned soups are often high in sodium, and crackers can also contribute to sodium intake. This meal choice would not align with a low-sodium diet.

B. "I will have a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch": Processed meats like ham and cheese can be high in sodium, especially if they are not low-sodium options. This choice may not be suitable for a low-sodium diet unless specific low-sodium products are used.

C. "I will have a BLT and a side salad with cheese and croutons for lunch": Bacon, cheese, and croutons are all sources of sodium, so this meal would likely not be appropriate for a low-sodium diet unless modifications are made, such as using low-sodium bacon and limiting cheese and crouton amounts.

D. "I will have a baked potato with broiled chicken for dinner": This statement indicates an understanding of choosing low-sodium options. Baked potatoes and broiled chicken are generally low in sodium, especially if prepared without added salt or high-sodium seasonings. This choice aligns well with a low-sodium diet for someone with heart failure.

A. 120/80 mm Hg or lower. B. Average of two BP readings of 150/80 mm Hg C. 140/90 mm Hg or lower D. 156/96 mm Hg or lower

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. 120/80 mm Hg or lower:

This blood pressure range is considered normal or optimal for most adults. However, for individuals diagnosed with hypertension, the goal is typically to reduce blood pressure to below 140/90 mm Hg, as maintaining normal blood pressure is not considered a goal for hypertension treatment unless specifically indicated based on individual circumstances.

B. Average of two BP readings of 150/80 mm Hg:

A blood pressure reading of 150/80 mm Hg is elevated and indicates hypertension, especially if consistently elevated across multiple readings. The goal of hypertension treatment is to lower blood pressure to below 140/90 mm Hg, so an average of 150/80 mm Hg would not be considered the goal of treatment.

C. 140/90 mm Hg or lower:

This blood pressure range is commonly recommended as the goal of treatment for individuals with hypertension who otherwise enjoy good health. It represents a balance between effective blood pressure control and minimizing the risk of side effects or complications associated with overly aggressive treatment.

D. 156/96 mm Hg or lower:

While a blood pressure reading of 156/96 mm Hg is elevated and indicates hypertension, the goal of treatment is typically to reduce blood pressure to below 140/90 mm Hg rather than targeting a specific numeric value below 156/96 mm Hg.

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The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. What would the nurse expect to find?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with heart failure is placed on a low-sodium diet. Which statement by the client indicates that the nurse's nutritional teaching plan has been effective?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is planning the care of a client who has been diagnosed with hypertension but who otherwise enjoys good health. When assessing the response to an antihypertensive drug regimen, what blood pressure would be the goal of treatment?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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