The nurse is providing discharge education to a client diagnosed with heart failure. What should the nurse teach this client to do to assess fluid balance in the home setting?

A. "I have a difficult time falling asleep at night":

Difficulty falling asleep at night is not typically a direct symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. While anemia can lead to fatigue and general tiredness, which might affect sleep quality, insomnia or difficulty falling asleep may have various causes unrelated to anemia. These causes can include stress, anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, or other underlying medical conditions.

B. "I have an increase in my appetite":

This choice is not directly related to iron-deficiency anemia. While some individuals with anemia may experience changes in appetite, such as increased hunger, this symptom is not specific to iron-deficiency anemia alone. An increase in appetite can have various causes, including hormonal changes, dietary changes, medications, or psychological factors.

C. "I have difficulty breathing when walking 30 feet":

This choice is the correct answer. Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion like walking, is a hallmark symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, which can result in shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty with physical activities.

D. "I feel hot all of the time":

Feeling hot all the time is not a specific symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. While anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath, it does not directly lead to a constant feeling of heat or warmth throughout the body. Feeling hot or experiencing excessive sweating could be due to other factors such as hormonal changes, fever, hyperthyroidism, or environmental conditions.

A. "I will have canned chicken noodle soup with crackers and an apple for lunch": Canned soups are often high in sodium, and crackers can also contribute to sodium intake. This meal choice would not align with a low-sodium diet.

B. "I will have a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch": Processed meats like ham and cheese can be high in sodium, especially if they are not low-sodium options. This choice may not be suitable for a low-sodium diet unless specific low-sodium products are used.

C. "I will have a BLT and a side salad with cheese and croutons for lunch": Bacon, cheese, and croutons are all sources of sodium, so this meal would likely not be appropriate for a low-sodium diet unless modifications are made, such as using low-sodium bacon and limiting cheese and crouton amounts.

D. "I will have a baked potato with broiled chicken for dinner": This statement indicates an understanding of choosing low-sodium options. Baked potatoes and broiled chicken are generally low in sodium, especially if prepared without added salt or high-sodium seasonings. This choice aligns well with a low-sodium diet for someone with heart failure.