An elderly client with heart failure arrives at the emergency room due to nausea, vomiting, and anorexia.
Based on the client’s signs and symptoms, which piece of data from the medical history is most significant when planning this client’s care?

Choice A rationale

While reducing salt intake is generally beneficial for clients with heart failure, replacing salt with a salt substitute is not recommended for clients taking spironolactone. Many salt

substitutes contain potassium, and spironolactone can cause high potassium levels in the blood.

Choice B rationale

Covering the skin before going outside is a general recommendation for sun protection, but it is not specifically related to the use of spironolactone.

Choice C rationale

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it can cause the body to retain potassium. Therefore, clients taking this medication should be advised to limit their intake of high-potassium foods to prevent hyperkalemia, a potentially serious condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood.

Choice D rationale

While it is always important to monitor for signs of bruising, this is not the most critical instruction for a client taking spironolactone. The risk of hyperkalemia is a more immediate concern.

Choice A rationale

While it’s understandable that the patient’s daughter wants to delay the use of medication until her mother’s symptoms worsen, this approach may not be beneficial. Rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. It is not a cure for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, but it can help manage the symptoms. Waiting until the symptoms worsen may not provide the desired benefits and could potentially lead to a faster progression of the disease.

Choice B rationale

Rivastigmine is most effective when used early in the disease process. It works by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, through reversible inhibition of its hydrolysis by cholinesterase. This can help improve the function of nerve cells in the brain and can slow the progression of symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, starting the medication early can help manage the symptoms and potentially slow the progression of the disease.

Choice C rationale

While assessing the patient’s current mental status is an important part of care, it should not be the sole factor in deciding when to start medication. The decision to start medication should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition, including the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and the potential benefits and risks of the medication.

Choice D rationale

While it’s important for the daughter to understand the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s disease, this understanding alone does not determine when to start medication. The decision to start medication should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition and the potential benefits and risks of the medication.