The nurse is caring for a patient with reduced perfusion to the extremities.The nurse evaluates the patient and finds the response to therapy is not optimal.What lifestyle change does the nurse suspect is contributing to the lack of response?
A) Following a vegetarian diet
B) Taking daily brisk walks
C) Ingesting 1,500 mL of fluid per day
D) Smoking cessation when the diagnosis was received

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1,500 mL of fluid is lower than optimal and the patient should be encouraged to increase fluid intake to 2,000 mL per day.This could have a negative impact on perfusion if the patient is dehydrated,even mildly so.A vegetarian diet is usually low in cholesterol and fat,so this is an appropriate lifestyle change that would not reduce response to therapy.Further assessment of diet may be needed.Daily exercise promotes perfusion,so this would not be the anticipated cause of reduced response to therapy.Quitting smoking should improve response to therapy and would not be the likely cause of the patient's failure to respond to treatment.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Reduced Perfusion