The home health nurse visits a client with heart failure who has increased dyspnea and peripheral edema and weight gain.The nurse suspects the client is not restricting fluids as prescribed.Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A)Teach the client about the consequences of not following the fluid restrictions.
B)Ask the client to report the amount of fluid intake for the past 24 hours.
C)Provide the client with sugarless candy or gum to decrease the thirst sensation.
D)Consult with the health care provider about increasing the dose of the diuretic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Asking the client to report the amount of fluid intake for the past 24 hours will help the nurse confirm whether the client is following the fluid restrictions. This will also provide the nurse with valuable information to share with the healthcare provider for further management of the client's heart failure. Teaching the consequences of not following the fluid restrictions and providing sugarless candy or gum are not the most appropriate actions in this situation. Consulting with the healthcare provider about increasing the dose of the diuretic may be necessary, but this should only be done after confirming whether the client is following the fluid restrictions.

The Home Health Nurse Visits a Client with Heart Failure