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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Mobitz II is a type of second-degree AV block characterized by constant PR intervals and sudden dropped QRS complexes (i.e., the PR interval does not lengthen progressively). This is a more serious block because the dropped beats are unpredictable and could lead to complete block.
B. Sinus bradycardia is a slower-than-normal heart rate (usually less than 60 beats per minute) that originates from the sinus node. First-degree AV block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval, but unlike second-degree block, there are no dropped QRS complexes.
C. Mobitz I (Wenckebach) is a second-degree AV block where the PR interval gradually lengthens with each successive beat until a QRS complex is dropped. After the dropped beat, the cycle repeats. This is a relatively benign block and often resolves without intervention, though it requires monitoring.
D. Third-degree heart block (also known as complete heart block) occurs when there is no communication between the atria and ventricles. The atria and ventricles beat independently of each other. There are no relationship between the P waves and QRS complexes, and the ventricular rate is typically slower than the atrial rate.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A heart rate of 100 beats per minute is considered tachycardia (a heart rate above 100 bpm). This is not an indicator of improvement in heart failure, as it suggests the heart is working harder than usual. Chronic heart failure can lead to compensatory mechanisms such as tachycardia, but it’s typically not a sign of improvement.
B. Peripheral edema (swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet) is a common symptom of heart failure, resulting from fluid buildup due to poor cardiac output. A rating of +3 edema indicates moderate to severe swelling, which suggests fluid retention and poor circulation. This is a sign of worsening or poorly controlled heart failure, not improvement.
C. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute is slightly elevated, as the normal resting respiratory rate for adults is typically between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A higher respiratory rate can be a sign of respiratory distress or compensatory breathing due to insufficient oxygenation or fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which are both symptoms of heart failure exacerbation.
D. Being alert and oriented X 3 means the client is aware of time, place, and person, indicating no signs of confusion or cognitive impairment. In the context of chronic heart failure, mental status changes (like confusion or disorientation) can occur due to decreased cerebral perfusion, low oxygen levels, or medications (such as diuretics or digitalis.
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