The nurse is teaching a client about lifestyle modifications after a heart failure diagnosis. What will be included in the teaching?

A. Weigh yourself once a week:

This is an important part of heart failure management as weight gain can indicate fluid retention, a common symptom of heart failure. The nurse should instruct the client to weigh themselves at the same time of day, using the same scale, and wearing similar clothing each time. Any sudden weight gain should be reported to the healthcare provider promptly.

B. Drink 3 liters of fluid per day:

This option is not appropriate for most heart failure patients, especially those with fluid retention issues. Fluid intake should be monitored and restricted based on the individual's condition and healthcare provider's recommendations. Consuming too much fluid can exacerbate fluid retention and worsen heart failure symptoms.

C. Engage in exercise daily:

Exercise is generally recommended for heart failure patients, but the type, intensity, and frequency of exercise should be tailored to the individual's condition. The nurse should encourage the client to engage in regular physical activity as tolerated, following a structured exercise plan approved by their healthcare provider. Activities like walking, cycling, or water aerobics can be beneficial for heart health.

D. Restrict dietary potassium:

This option is not typically included in lifestyle modifications for heart failure unless the client has specific potassium-related issues or is taking medications that require potassium restriction. Potassium is an important electrolyte for heart function, and most heart failure patients are advised to consume a balanced diet with moderate potassium intake, unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider.

A. Pleurisy:

Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, which is the lining surrounding the lungs. It can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing. While pleurisy can be associated with conditions such as infections, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism, it is not typically directly diagnosed or investigated using the brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide (BNP) test. The symptoms of pleurisy may include chest pain, especially with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing.

B. Cardiomyopathy:

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle, which can lead to impaired heart function. Cardiomyopathy can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fluid retention. While elevated BNP levels can be observed in some cases of cardiomyopathy, the BNP test is not specific to cardiomyopathy alone. It is often used to assess and diagnose heart failure, a condition that can result from various cardiac abnormalities, including cardiomyopathy.

C. Valve Dysfunction:

Valve dysfunction refers to abnormalities or malfunctions of the heart valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). Valve dysfunction can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, and fatigue. While valve dysfunction can contribute to heart failure by causing pressure and volume overload on the heart chambers, the BNP test is primarily used to assess heart failure itself rather than specifically identifying valve dysfunction.

D. Heart Failure:

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. It can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, fluid retention (edema), and exercise intolerance. Elevated BNP levels are commonly observed in patients with heart failure, especially in cases of acute exacerbations or decompensated heart failure. The BNP test is used to assess and diagnose heart failure, as higher BNP levels indicate increased cardiac stress and volume overload.