The nurse is planning care for a client diagnosed with heart failure who will soon be discharged home. What should be included in the teaching plan? The client will:
weigh daily on the same scale at the same time of day
restrict foods that are high in potassium.
engage in aerobic activity for one hour each day.
monitor sugar intake
The Correct Answer is A
A. Weigh daily on the same scale at the same time of day - Daily weight measurement is critical for clients with heart failure to monitor for fluid retention, which can indicate worsening heart failure.
B. Restrict foods that are high in potassium - This is not recommended unless the client is on certain medications (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics) that cause high potassium levels. Generally, potassium- rich foods are beneficial for heart health.
C. Engage in aerobic activity for one hour each day - Although exercise is important, the intensity and duration should be individualized, and clients with heart failure may need to start with lower-intensity activity.
D. Monitor sugar intake - While important for diabetes management, monitoring sugar intake is not a primary focus for clients with heart failure unless they also have diabetes.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Sodium is crucial for maintaining normal cellular function, especially for nerve impulses and muscle contractions. However, sodium imbalances typically affect the general function of the heart, and sodium abnormalities are not commonly associated with torsades de pointes, which is a type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
B. Magnesium plays a critical role in the electrical stability of the heart and helps regulate potassium and calcium channels, which are involved in the cardiac action potential. Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) is a well-known risk factor for torsades de pointes, a specific type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that is associated with QT interval prolongation. In this case, the magnesium level is 2.5 mg/dL, which is above the normal range (1.6-2.2 mg/dL), suggesting hypermagnesemia.
C. Calcium is vital for proper muscle function, including the heart muscle, and is essential for electrical conduction. Hypocalcemia (low calcium) can lead to QT interval prolongation, which in turn increases the risk for arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. However, in this case, the calcium level is 8.0 mg/dL, which is only slightly below the normal range (8.2-10.2 mg/dL), making calcium a less likely primary contributor to torsades de pointes in this situation.
D. Potassium plays a crucial role in regulating the resting membrane potential and action potentials in cardiac cells. Hypokalemia (low potassium) can lead to QT prolongation and increase the risk of arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. However, in this case, the potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L, which is low (normal range: 3.5-5.3 mEq/L), and hypokalemia is more commonly associated with arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes than hyperkalemia (high potassium).
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Weighing the client provides an important baseline for monitoring fluid retention and determining the effectiveness of treatments such as diuretics. Rapid changes in weight can indicate worsening heart failure and fluid accumulation.
B. Inserting an indwelling catheter is not indicated unless there are concerns about urinary retention or output, which are not the priority here.
C. Drawing blood for chemistry studies and a CBC is important but it does not directly address the immediate concern of fluid retention and worsening heart failure.
D. Administering furosemide may be necessary depending on the client's condition, but first establishing a baseline weight is important before making further treatment decisions.
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