A nurse is planning care for a client who has had a recent cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care to decrease the client's risk for footdrop?

Rationale:

• Hold the client's metoprolol: The client's heart rate is 112/min and irregular, and the ECG shows atrial fibrillation. Metoprolol helps manage heart rate. Holding it would worsen the tachycardia and the symptoms of heart failure. The blood pressure is also still elevated (146/82 mm Hg), indicating that the metoprolol is still needed.
• Increase the dosage of furosemide: The client’s weight has increased by 1.8 kg (4 lbs) within 24 hours, indicating fluid retention, which is a common symptom of heart failure. Increasing the dosage of furosemide will help manage fluid overload by promoting diuresis and reducing symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath.
• Decrease the client's oxygen to 1 L/min via nasal cannula: The client's oxygen saturation has decreased from 93% to 90% while on 2 L/min of oxygen. This indicates worsening oxygenation or increased oxygen demand due to fluid overload. The client needs continued or even increased oxygen.
• Restrict the client's fluid intake to 2 L per day: The client is showing signs of fluid overload (weight gain, decreased SpO2, elevated BNP). Fluid restriction is a necessary intervention in heart failure to manage fluid balance and prevent further accumulation of fluid
• Weigh the client daily: Daily weight monitoring is crucial in clients with heart failure to detect fluid retention early. A significant increase in weight can indicate worsening heart failure or fluid overload, which requires immediate intervention.

• Begin a 24-hr urine collection for the client: A 24-hour urine collection is used for assessing kidney function, electrolytes, and proteinuria. There is no immediate indication for this test in the current clinical scenario.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Pain level: The client is experiencing significant chest pain (7/10) radiating to the left arm, which is a classic sign of potential myocardial infarction (MI). Managing pain is the priority to reduce discomfort and prevent further cardiac stress while simultaneously stabilizing the patient.
• ECG results: The ECG findings of tachycardia with ST segment elevation and T wave changes indicate a possible acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). Immediate attention to the ECG results is critical for confirming the diagnosis and guiding the appropriate emergency interventions, such as the administration of thrombolytics or preparation for angioplasty.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Diaphoresis: Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) is a sign of myocardial infarction and should be addressed as part of the overall clinical assessment. However, addressing the pain and confirming the diagnosis with an ECG are more urgent initial steps.
• Nausea: Nausea is a common symptom in myocardial infarction, but it is not the immediate priority. Pain relief and stabilization of the heart's function should take precedence. Nausea can be managed after addressing the more critical issues.
• Cholesterol level: Elevated cholesterol levels, while important for long-term management of hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular risk, are not an immediate priority in this acute presentation.
• Pedal pulses: While weak pedal pulses are noted, they are not as urgent as managing the chest pain and confirming the diagnosis with an ECG. Pedal pulses can be monitored during ongoing assessment, furthermore the capillary refill is < 2 seconds indicating adequate perfusion.