The patient has been admitted to the cardiac unit with a diagnosis of heart failure.The patient is currently receiving furosemide (Lasix)and is on a low-sodium diet.Which of the following is the best way for the nurse to determine if the patient is retaining fluid?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Serial measures of weight over time provide more useful information than one measurement.When collecting serial measurements of weight,weigh the patient about the same time each day,on the same scale,and with the same amount of clothing.In some patients,a weight change of 2 pounds in 24 hours is significant because 1 pound is roughly equivalent to 500 mL of fluid.Ideal body weight is a standard for height-weight relationships,not fluid.Body mass index is a standard for weight and body fat,not fluid.Measuring all fluid intake does not include the whole picture because this must be related to the output to determine if the patient is retaining fluid.

The Patient Has Been Admitted to the Cardiac Unit with a Diagnosis