Which topic will the nurse plan to include in discharge teaching for a client who has heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?
Need to begin an aerobic exercise program several times weekly
Use of salt substitutes to replace table salt when cooking and at the table
Importance of making an annual appointment with the health care provider
Benefits and effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
The Correct Answer is D
Discharge teaching for a client with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction should prioritize education about medications that are essential in managing heart failure, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
ACE inhibitors are a class of medications commonly prescribed to heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. They work by dilating blood vessels, reducing the workload on the heart, and improving the heart's pumping ability. They are one of the cornerstones of heart failure management and have been shown to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and prolong survival in heart failure patients.
Educating the client about the benefits and effects of ACE inhibitors is crucial to promote medication adherence and ensure they understand the importance of taking this medication as prescribed. Common side effects, such as dizziness or dry cough, should also be discussed so the client knows what to expect and when to notify their healthcare provider.
While the other options may also be relevant to a client with heart failure, including starting an aerobic exercise program (A), reducing salt intake (B), and scheduling regular follow-up appointments (C), the immediate priority in discharge teaching should be about the medication regimen and the specific benefits and effects of ACE inhibitors. Other aspects of heart failure management can be addressed during the overall education and follow-up sessions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Cloudy peritoneal effluent may indicate infection or peritonitis, which is a severe complication of peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. The nurse should report this finding promptly to the health care provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The patient is apneic (not breathing) and has no palpable pulses, indicating a cardiac arrest or severe cardiovascular compromise. In this situation, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take next is to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
CPR is a life-saving procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs when the heart is not effectively pumping. In the case of cardiac arrest, early initiation of CPR is critical to improve the chances of survival and minimize potential brain damage.
The heart monitor shows sinus tachycardia, rate 132, which suggests that the electrical impulses are reaching the heart, but the heart is not effectively pumping blood due to the lack of a palpable pulse. This condition requires immediate intervention with CPR rather than other treatments such as synchronized cardioversion (option A) or administering atropine (option D).
While applying supplemental oxygen via a non-rebreather mask (option C) is generally important in many emergency situations, it is not the immediate priority when a patient is apneic and has no palpable pulses. In such cases, CPR takes precedence to restore circulation and maintain oxygen delivery to the body's vital organs.
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