An older adult diagnosed with heart failure (HF) reports increasing dyspnea over 2 days. Which of the following should the nurse assess to help determine whether the client has adhered to prescribed therapy? (Select all that apply.)
Determine coughing frequency.
Check for peripheral edema.
Auscultate the lungs bilaterally.
Assess diet over the last 48 hours.
Compare current weight to baseline.
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
Choice A reason: Determining coughing frequency is not a reliable way to assess whether the client has adhered to prescribed therapy, as coughing can have various causes and may not be related to heart failure or its treatment.
Choice B reason: Checking for peripheral edema is a useful way to assess whether the client has adhered to prescribed therapy, as peripheral edema is a common sign of fluid retention and worsening heart failure. If the client has been taking diuretics as prescribed, the edema should be reduced or absent.
Choice C reason: Auscultating the lungs bilaterally is a helpful way to assess whether the client has adhered to prescribed therapy, as lung sounds can indicate the presence or absence of pulmonary congestion and crackles, which are signs of fluid overload and worsening heart failure. If the client has been taking medications to improve cardiac function and reduce fluid volume as prescribed, the lungs should be clear or improved.
Choice D reason: Assessing diet over the last 48 hours is a relevant way to assess whether the client has adhered to prescribed therapy, as diet can affect fluid and sodium intake and retention, which can worsen heart failure. If the client has been following a low-sodium and fluid-restricted diet as prescribed, the risk of fluid overload and dyspnea should be lower.
Choice E reason: Comparing current weight to baseline is an important way to assess whether the client has adhered to prescribed therapy, as weight can reflect fluid status and changes in heart failure condition. If the client has been taking medications and following dietary recommendations as prescribed, the weight should be stable or decreased.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Over-the-counter NSAIDs are generally harmless is not a true statement, as NSAIDs can cause serious adverse effects in older adults, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, hypertension, and heart failure. NSAIDs should be used with caution and under medical supervision in older adults.
Choice B reason: Stool softeners and laxatives should be used with opioids is a true statement, as opioids can cause constipation in older adults, which can lead to discomfort, abdominal pain, fecal impaction, and bowel obstruction. Stool softeners and laxatives can help prevent and treat constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
Choice C reason: Opioids are less effective in older clients than in younger clients is not a true statement, as opioids can have the same or even greater analgesic effect in older adults, depending on the dose, route, and duration of administration. However, opioids can also cause more side effects in older adults, such as sedation, confusion, respiratory depression, and falls. Opioids should be used with caution and under medical supervision in older adults.
Choice D reason: The dose limit for acetaminophen is difficult to reach for older adults is not a true statement, as older adults may be more susceptible to acetaminophen toxicity, especially if they have liver disease, malnutrition, or chronic alcohol use. The dose limit for acetaminophen is 4 grams per day for adults, but it may be lower for older adults or those with risk factors. Acetaminophen should be used with caution and under medical supervision in older adults.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: FACE pain rating scale is not the most useful assessment tool for a cognitively impaired patient who cannot accurately report pain, as it relies on the patient's ability to match their pain intensity to a series of facial expressions. The patient may not be able to understand or use the scale appropriately.
Choice B reason: OLDCART-based assessment tool is not the most useful assessment tool for a cognitively impaired patient who cannot accurately report pain, as it relies on the patient's ability to provide detailed information about the onset, location, duration, characteristics, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and treatment of their pain. The patient may not be able to recall or communicate this information effectively.
Choice C reason: PAINAD scale is the most useful assessment tool for a cognitively impaired patient who cannot accurately report pain, as it relies on the nurse's observation of the patient's behavior and physiological responses to pain. The scale consists of five items: breathing, vocalization, facial expression, body language, and consolability. Each item is scored from 0 to 2, and the total score ranges from 0 to 10. A higher score indicates more pain.
Choice D reason: 0 to 10 numeric pain scale is not the most useful assessment tool for a cognitively impaired patient who cannot accurately report pain, as it relies on the patient's ability to rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). The patient may not be able to comprehend or use the scale correctly.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the most useful assessment tool for a cognitively impaired patient who cannot accurately report pain.
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