The nurse is caring for a client with acute dyspnea and is diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. Which of the following information should the nurse include when teaching the client about management of this disorder?
A)Elevating the legs above the heart will help relieve angina.
B)No more than two alcoholic drinks daily are recommended.
C)Careful adherence to diet and medication regimen will prevent heart failure.
D)Notify the health care provider about any symptoms of heart failure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client should be instructed to notify the health care provider about any worsening of heart failure symptoms. Because dilated cardiomyopathy does not respond well to therapy, even clients with good adherence to therapy may have recurrent episodes of heart failure. The client is instructed to avoid alcoholic beverages. Elevation of the legs above the heart will worsen symptoms (although this approach is appropriate for a client with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Acute Dyspnea