When teaching clients in a community-based setting strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease, which interventions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale
Standing frequently can help promote blood flow in the legs, which can be beneficial for a patient with arterial insufficiency. This is because standing engages the muscles in the legs, which helps push blood back up towards the heart.
Choice B rationale
Walking without shoes is not typically recommended for patients with arterial insufficiency. This is because these patients often have reduced sensation in their feet and may not notice if they step on something sharp or if a wound develops.
Choice C rationale
Vigorous massage of the legs is not usually recommended for patients with arterial insufficiency. While gentle massage can help promote blood flow, vigorous massage could potentially damage the arteries further.
Choice D rationale
Allowing the legs to dangle dependently often is not typically recommended for patients with arterial insufficiency. This position can actually increase swelling and discomfort in the legs.

Choice A rationale
Education on the necessity of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis is crucial for patients who have just recovered from rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever.
Patients who have had rheumatic fever are at risk of getting it again if they have another strep infection. Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis can prevent recurrent infections and the development of rheumatic heart disease.
Choice B rationale
While anticoagulation therapy may be necessary for some patients with heart conditions, it is not typically the most important nursing action for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause inflammation and damage to the heart valves, but it does not typically cause blood clots, which are the primary reason for anticoagulation therapy.
Choice C rationale
Adherence to standard infection control procedures is important for all patients, but it is not the most important nursing action for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever. The primary concern for these patients is preventing recurrent strep infections, which can be achieved through continuous antibiotic prophylaxis.
Choice D rationale
While physical activity management may be part of the overall care plan for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever, it is not typically the most important nursing action. The primary concern for these patients is preventing recurrent strep infections, which can be achieved through continuous antibiotic prophylaxis.