Which statement by a client with newly diagnosed heart failure indicates to the nurse that teaching was effective?
"I will use the nitroglycerin patch whenever I have chest pain."
"I will take furosemide (Lasix) every day just before bedtime."
"I will call the clinic if my weight goes up 3 pounds in a week."
"I will use an additional pillow if I am short of breath at night.”
The Correct Answer is C
The statement "I will call the clinic if my weight goes up 3 pounds in a week" indicates that the teaching about heart failure was effective. Monitoring weight is an essential self-care measure for patients with heart failure to manage fluid retention effectively. A sudden weight gain of 2-3 pounds in a week can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure. It is crucial for the patient to report such weight changes promptly to the healthcare provider or clinic to adjust medication doses or treatment plans as needed.
The other statements are incorrect:
A) "I will use the nitroglycerin patch whenever I have chest pain." Nitroglycerin is not typically used to manage heart failure. It is used for angina, which is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to narrowed coronary arteries.
B) "I will take furosemide (Lasix) every day just before bedtime." While furosemide is a diuretic commonly prescribed for heart failure to reduce fluid retention, it is not usually taken just before bedtime. Taking furosemide in the evening may lead to frequent nighttime urination and disrupt sleep.
D) "I will use an additional pillow if I am short of breath at night." Using an extra pillow may provide temporary relief for positional dyspnea (shortness of breath when lying flat) but is not an appropriate long-term strategy for managing heart failure. Elevated pillows may not effectively improve breathing and can lead to neck strain. Instead, patients with heart failure should be encouraged to sleep with their head slightly elevated on a regular basis, using a wedge pillow or adjustable bed if needed. Managing fluid retention and adhering to prescribed medications are essential for improving heart failure symptoms and preventing complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
Based on the client's condition, the nurse should monitor the following:
C. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Rhythm: The client is experiencing chest pain with ST elevation, which indicates a possible myocardial infarction (MI). Continuous monitoring of the ECG rhythm is essential to identify any changes or dysrhythmias that may occur during the course of the client's care.
E. Vital signs: The client's tachycardia with ST elevation suggests cardiac involvement. Monitoring vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, is crucial to assess the client's hemodynamic status and detect any signs of deterioration or improvement.
The other options (A. WBC Count, B. Platelet Count, and D. Serum glucose level) are not directly related to the client's acute chest pain and the possible MI. While these tests may be ordered for other reasons or as part of the overall assessment, they are not the immediate priorities in this situation. Monitoring the ECG rhythm and vital signs are more relevant to the client's acute cardiac condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Among the given laboratory test results for a client with recently diagnosed hypertension, the most important result to communicate to the health care provider is option (A), "Serum creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL."
Serum creatinine is a measure of kidney function, and a value of 2.8 mg/dL indicates elevated creatinine levels. Elevated serum creatinine is a concerning finding, as it suggests decreased kidney function or kidney impairment. Hypertension can have a significant impact on the kidneys, and kidney damage is a common complication of uncontrolled high blood pressure.
The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by excreting waste products and excess fluids from the body. When kidney function is compromised due to hypertension, it can further worsen the blood pressure control, leading to a vicious cycle of kidney damage and worsening hypertension.
Option (B), "Serum hemoglobin of 14.7 g/dL," is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern related to the client's hypertension.
Option (C), "Blood glucose level of 96 mg/dL," is also within the normal range for blood glucose and may not be directly related to the client's hypertension.
Option (D), "Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L," is within the normal range. While potassium levels are essential to monitor, they are not the most critical concern compared to kidney function in this context.
The elevated serum creatinine level suggests a potential complication of hypertension, namely kidney damage or decreased kidney function. Therefore, it is essential to communicate this finding promptly to the health care provider for further evaluation and appropriate management to address the client's kidney health and optimize blood pressure control.
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