The nursing students are preparing a care plan for a patient with heart failure. The patient will be prescribed diuretic therapy after discharge. What evidence-based instructions will the nurse include in this plan?

Potassium supplements can cause irregular heart rhythm and must be avoided.

Instruct the patient to take diuretics at bedtime to promote diuresis during the night.

Notify the physician if weight increases by three pounds in one week.

Administer diuretics in the morning and notify physician of decreased urine output.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Potassium supplements can actually be important for patients on diuretic therapy, especially if they are taking loop diuretics like furosemide, which can cause potassium loss. However, it is important to monitor potassium levels and follow the physician's guidance on supplement use.

Choice B reason: Instructing the patient to take diuretics at bedtime is not recommended. Diuretics should be taken in the morning to avoid frequent urination during the night, which can disrupt sleep.

Choice C reason: Notifying the physician if weight increases by three pounds in one week is a key instruction for patients with heart failure. Rapid weight gain can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure, requiring prompt medical evaluation and adjustment of treatment.

Choice D reason: Administering diuretics in the morning and notifying the physician of decreased urine output is important, but the focus on notifying the physician about significant weight gain provides a more specific and actionable guideline for managing heart failure.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Acute hemolytic reactions are severe and typically present with symptoms such as fever, chills, flank pain, hemoglobinuria, and shock. The patient's mild symptoms of itching and a localized rash do not match the severe presentation of an acute hemolytic reaction.

Choice B reason: Allergic reactions to blood transfusions are common and usually present with symptoms such as itching, hives, and localized rash. The patient's vital signs and physical assessment showing mild itching and a rash on the arms are consistent with an allergic reaction.

Choice C reason: Anaphylactic reactions are severe allergic reactions that involve respiratory distress, hypotension, and shock. The patient's mild symptoms do not indicate an anaphylactic reaction.

Choice D reason: Circulatory overload presents with symptoms such as dyspnea, orthopnea, hypertension, and pulmonary edema. The patient's symptoms of itching and a rash do not align with circulatory overload.

A. The patient is increasingly drowsy and hard to arouse. B. The patient's feet and hands are covered with red, raised purpura.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: The patient being increasingly drowsy and hard to arouse is an urgent finding that should be reported immediately. This condition may indicate intracranial bleeding or other severe complications related to extremely low platelet count (10,000/mm³) in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Immediate medical intervention is required to prevent further deterioration.

Choice B reason: Red, raised purpura on the patient's feet and hands is a concerning finding indicative of significant thrombocytopenia, but it is not as immediately life-threatening as decreased consciousness. It should still be monitored and managed, but the priority is the patient's level of consciousness.

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The nursing students are preparing a care plan for a patient with heart failure. The patient will be prescribed diuretic therapy after discharge. What evidence-based instructions will the nurse include in this plan?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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