A nurse is caring for a client in a provider's office.

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.

Condition:

• Left-sided heart failure

Actions to Take:

• Administer a loop diuretic.
• Assess for jugular vein distention.

Parameters to Monitor:

• Lung sounds.
• Pulse strength.

Rationale:

Condition Choices

• Right-sided heart failure: Right-sided heart failure primarily leads to systemic congestion, including peripheral edema, jugular vein distension, and hepatomegaly. The client’s symptoms—dyspnea, crackles in the lungs, and activity intolerance—are more indicative of left-sided heart failure, which results in pulmonary congestion.
• Mitral valve prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse can cause palpitations and fatigue but does not typically present with pulmonary congestion, crackles, and significant hypertension. The client’s symptoms suggest a broader issue of ventricular dysfunction rather than isolated valvular pathology.
• Infective endocarditis: Infective endocarditis often presents with fever, systemic embolic events, and new heart murmurs. The client does not have a fever or any indications of embolic complications, making this diagnosis unlikely.
• Left-sided heart failure: Dyspnea, pulmonary crackles, activity intolerance, nocturnal coughing, and hypertension are classic findings of left-sided heart failure. The irregular tachycardia may indicate atrial fibrillation secondary to heart failure. The client’s history of hypertension and coronary artery disease increases the risk of ventricular dysfunction, further supporting this diagnosis.

Actions to Take

• Administer a loop diuretic: Loop diuretics such as furosemide help reduce pulmonary congestion by promoting diuresis and decreasing fluid overload, which is essential for managing left-sided heart failure.
• Assess for jugular vein distention: Although jugular vein distention is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure, evaluating it can provide insight into overall cardiac function and volume status, especially if biventricular failure is present.
• Obtain the client’s temperature: While temperature monitoring is standard in patient care, fever is not a primary concern in left-sided heart failure. Fever assessment would be more relevant if infection, such as infective endocarditis, was suspected.

Parameters to Monitor

• Lung sounds: Pulmonary congestion from left-sided heart failure causes crackles and respiratory distress. Monitoring lung sounds helps assess the effectiveness of diuretics and other treatments aimed at reducing fluid overload.
• Pulse strength: The client has diminished peripheral pulses, which may indicate poor cardiac output and worsening perfusion. Monitoring pulse strength can help evaluate circulatory status and response to treatment.
• Liver function tests: Liver function tests are more relevant in right-sided heart failure due to hepatic congestion. Since the primary concern here is pulmonary congestion, liver function is not a key monitoring parameter.
• Heart sounds for systolic murmur: While mitral regurgitation can accompany left-sided heart failure, a new murmur is not the primary concern in this client. The focus should be on managing fluid overload and pulmonary symptoms.
• Blood culture: Blood cultures are useful for detecting infections like infective endocarditis, which is not suspected in this client due to the absence of fever and embolic manifestations.

A. Hospice care services: Hospice care is designed for clients with terminal illnesses who require end-of-life care. Crohn’s disease and an ileostomy do not indicate a terminal condition, making hospice services inappropriate for this client.

B. Long-term care facility: Long-term care facilities are for clients who need continuous medical or personal care and are unable to live independently. Most clients with an ileostomy can manage their care at home with proper education and support, making this resource unnecessary.

C. Rehabilitation center: Rehabilitation centers are primarily for clients recovering from major injuries, strokes, or surgeries that impair mobility or function. While an ileostomy requires adjustment, it does not typically necessitate inpatient rehabilitation.

D. Visiting nurse services: Home health nurses provide essential support for clients with a new ileostomy by assisting with ostomy care, monitoring for complications, and reinforcing self-care education. This service helps facilitate a smoother transition to independent ostomy management.