A nurse is reviewing the results of a client's fecal occult blood screening test. Which of the following findings from the client's history should the nurse identify as potentially causing a false-positive result?

The correct answer is choice D. Allow frequent rest periods.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging fluids is not appropriate for a client with heart failure. Clients with heart failure often experience fluid overload due to the heart’s inability to pump effectively, leading to fluid retention.Encouraging additional fluid intake can exacerbate this condition, worsening symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath.

Choice B rationale:

Measuring vital signs every 8 hours may not be frequent enough for a client with heart failure, especially if they are experiencing acute symptoms.More frequent monitoring is often necessary to detect changes in the client’s condition promptly and to manage symptoms effectively.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining weight weekly is not sufficient for a client with heart failure. Daily weight monitoring is crucial as it helps in detecting fluid retention early.Sudden weight gain can indicate worsening heart failure and the need for adjustments in treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Allowing frequent rest periods is essential for clients with heart failure. These clients often experience fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance due to reduced cardiac output.Frequent rest periods help in managing fatigue and preventing overexertion, which can worsen heart failure symptoms.

The correct answer is choice A: Elevate the head of the client's bed for 1 hr after the feeding. This is because elevating the head of the client's bed to at least 30 degrees can help prevent aspiration and gastric reflux. Choice B is incorrect because administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature can cause discomfort and diarrhea. Choice C is incorrect because rotating the jejunostomy tube once per day can cause irritation and trauma to the stoma site. Choice D is incorrect because flushing the tube with 90 mL of sterile water before and after the feeding is not necessary as long as the tube is adequately flushed before and after each feeding.

Explanation for why the other choices are not answers: B – Administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature can cause discomfort and diarrhea, so it should not be done. C – Rotating the jejunostomy tube once per day can cause irritation and trauma to the stoma site, so this is not the correct action. D – Flushing the tube with 90 mL of sterile water before and after the feeding is unnecessary to do as long as the tube is adequately flushed before and after each feeding. Thus, this is not the correct answer.