A home health nurse is visiting a client who has heart failure and a prescription for furosemide. The nurse identifies that the client has gained 2.5 kg (5 lb) since the last visit 2 days ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Determine medication adherence by the client.
Teach the client about foods low in sodium.
Encourage the client to dangle the legs while sitting in a chair.
Notify the provider of the client's weight gain.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Determine medication adherence by the client:
This choice is incorrect as the nurse should first take immediate actions to address the client's weight gain and potential exacerbation of heart failure symptoms. While medication adherence is important, it's not the first action to take in this situation.
B. Teach the client about foods low in sodium:
This choice is incorrect as educating the client about sodium intake is important for managing heart failure, but the priority in this case is to address the current weight gain and potential worsening of the client's condition.
C. Encourage the client to dangle the legs while sitting in a chair:
This choice is incorrect. Dangling the legs while sitting in a chair can help improve blood circulation in some cases, but it's not the first action to take when the client has gained a significant amount of weight since the last visit. The priority should be addressing the weight gain and its potential impact on the client's heart failure.
D. Notify the provider of the client's weight gain:
This is the correct choice. When a client with heart failure experiences a sudden weight gain, it can indicate fluid retention and worsening of their condition. Notifying the healthcare provider about the weight gain is crucial to ensure timely assessment, potential medication adjustments, and other interventions to prevent further deterioration of the client's health. Prompt communication with the provider can help prevent complications associated with heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Morphine 6 mg IV push every 3 hr PRN acute pain:
This choice is correct. It accurately transcribes the medication name (morphine), the dosage (6 mg), the route (IV push), the frequency (every 3 hours), and the indication (PRN for acute pain).
B. Morphine 6.0 mg IV push every 3 hr PRN acute pain:
This choice is not incorrect, but it is unnecessary to include the trailing zero in the dosage (6.0 mg). Both "6" and "6.0" indicate the same value, and omitting the decimal point is common practice in medication dosages.
C. MS 6 mg IV push every 3 hr PRN acute pain:
This choice is incorrect. "MS" is an abbreviation for "morphine sulfate," but it's not widely used in modern healthcare settings. Using the full name "morphine" is clearer and less prone to confusion.
D. MSO4 6 mg IV push every 3 hr PRN acute pain:
This choice is incorrect. "MSO4" is the chemical symbol for morphine sulfate. While it's a valid abbreviation, it's not as commonly used as the full name "morphine." Using the full name of the medication is clearer and more familiar to healthcare professionals.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement that has been used traditionally to manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms. There is some evidence to suggest that saw palmetto may have a beneficial effect on BPH symptoms by reducing urinary frequency, nocturia, and incomplete emptying of the bladder. However, it's important for the client to discuss the use of any herbal supplements, including saw palmetto, with their healthcare provider before starting them, as they can interact with prescribed medications or have potential side effects.
The other supplements listed (black cohosh, garlic, and feverfew) are not typically used for the management of BPH and are not directly relevant to this condition.
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