A nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of heart failure. Which of the following dietary recommendations should the nurse provide?
Low-sodium diet
High-potassium diet
Low-fiber diet
High-fat diet
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: A low-sodium diet is recommended for heart failure to reduce fluid retention. Sodium promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, increasing preload and cardiac workload. Limiting sodium helps decrease blood volume, easing strain on the heart and preventing exacerbation of heart failure symptoms like edema and dyspnea.
Choice B reason: A high-potassium diet is not routinely recommended for heart failure unless the client is on potassium-wasting diuretics like furosemide. While potassium supports cardiac function, excessive intake can cause hyperkalemia, especially in renal dysfunction, which is common in heart failure, potentially leading to arrhythmias and complicating management.
Choice C reason: A low-fiber diet is not beneficial for heart failure. High-fiber diets are preferred to manage constipation, which can strain the cardiovascular system during defecation. Fiber also supports overall health, reducing cholesterol and aiding weight control, which are important for heart failure patients to reduce cardiac workload.
Choice D reason: A high-fat diet is contraindicated in heart failure, as it increases the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular strain. Dietary fats, especially saturated fats, contribute to coronary artery disease, worsening heart function. A heart-healthy diet emphasizes low-fat, nutrient-dense foods to support cardiac health and reduce disease progression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: A decrease in blood pressure is not an indicator of adequate fluid replacement in burn patients. Severe burns cause hypovolemia from fluid loss, leading to hypotension. Adequate resuscitation should increase blood pressure by restoring intravascular volume, improving cardiac output, and ensuring tissue perfusion, not decrease it.
Choice B reason: A decrease in heart rate indicates adequate fluid replacement in burn patients. Severe burns cause hypovolemia, triggering tachycardia as the heart compensates for low blood volume. Restoring intravascular volume with IV fluids reduces the sympathetic drive, slowing the heart rate to normal, reflecting improved perfusion and hemodynamic stability.
Choice C reason: A decrease in urine output is not a sign of adequate fluid replacement. Burn patients require high urine output (0.5-1 mL/kg/hr) to ensure renal perfusion and prevent acute kidney injury. Adequate resuscitation increases urine output by restoring blood volume, not decreasing it, as low output indicates ongoing hypovolemia.
Choice D reason: A decrease in weight is not expected with adequate fluid replacement. Burn patients receive large volumes of IV fluids to counter hypovolemia and third-spacing, often leading to weight gain from fluid retention. A weight decrease could indicate inadequate resuscitation or diuresis, not successful restoration of intravascular volume.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Blood pressure of 104/72 mm Hg, pulse of 80, and respiratory rate of 16 are within normal ranges for a postoperative patient. These vital signs indicate stable hemodynamic status and adequate oxygenation. Opioids may slightly lower blood pressure or respiratory rate, but these values do not suggest distress or complications requiring immediate provider notification. The patient’s condition appears stable, with no critical abnormalities warranting urgent intervention.
Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 110/60 mm Hg, pulse of 70, and respiratory rate of 14 are normal for a postoperative patient. These parameters reflect stable cardiovascular and respiratory function. Opioids can cause mild respiratory depression, but a rate of 14 is acceptable. No signs of opioid overdose, hypotension, or tachycardia are present, indicating no need for immediate provider contact or intervention.
Choice C reason: Blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg, pulse of 120, and respiratory rate of 18 indicate potential opioid-related complications or postoperative issues like hypovolemia or shock. Hypotension and tachycardia suggest inadequate perfusion, possibly due to bleeding or opioid-induced vasodilation. These signs require immediate provider notification to assess for overdose, hemorrhage, or other serious conditions affecting systemic circulation and tissue oxygenation.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg, pulse of 100, and respiratory rate of 20 are within acceptable ranges, though the pulse is slightly elevated. This could reflect pain or mild stress but does not indicate critical instability. Opioids may cause mild tachycardia, but these vital signs do not necessitate immediate provider contact as they suggest stable physiological function without severe complications.
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