A client with heart failure experiences an increase in lower extremity edema and weigh gain. Which change in the client's behavior most likely contributed to the edema and weight gain?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sudden onset of weight gain and development of edema points to an increased consumption of dietary sodium resulting in water retention and worsening heart failure. The likely cause of the increased sodium is processed foods which have high sodium levels. Worsening cardiac ejection fraction due to age is unlikely given the sudden onset of symptoms. Water retention is caused by sodium rather than an increase in dietary protein.

A Client with Heart Failure Experiences an Increase in Lower