Understanding Heart Failure Management

Which of the following is a common symptom of heart failure?

• Polyuria

• Dyspnea on exertion

• Jaundice

• Hematuria

Answer explanation

Dyspnea on exertion is a common symptom of heart failure, as the heart struggles to pump enough blood during physical activity, leading to shortness of breath. The other options are not typical symptoms of heart failure.

Which diagnostic test is most commonly used to assess the ejection fraction in patients with suspected heart failure?

• Chest X-ray

• Echocardiogram

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Cardiac catheterization

Answer explanation

The echocardiogram is the most commonly used test to assess ejection fraction in heart failure patients, as it provides real-time images of the heart's structure and function, allowing for accurate measurement.

Which class of medication is typically prescribed to reduce fluid overload in heart failure patients?

• Beta-blockers

• Diuretics

• Statins

• Anticoagulants

Answer explanation

Diuretics are the class of medication commonly prescribed to help reduce fluid overload in heart failure patients by promoting urine production, which helps eliminate excess fluid from the body.

Which of the following is an important lifestyle modification for a patient diagnosed with heart failure?

• Increasing sodium intake

• Smoking cessation

• Reducing physical activity

• High-fat diet

Answer explanation

Smoking cessation is crucial for heart failure patients as it reduces cardiovascular risks and improves overall heart health. The other options, like increasing sodium intake and high-fat diets, can worsen heart failure.

A patient with heart failure is being educated about daily weight monitoring. What is the primary reason for this instruction?

• To monitor for signs of infection

• To detect early fluid retention

• To assess nutritional status

• To evaluate medication side effects

Answer explanation

The primary reason for daily weight monitoring in heart failure patients is to detect early fluid retention. Rapid weight gain can indicate worsening heart failure due to fluid accumulation, allowing for timely intervention.

A nurse is reviewing lab results for a patient with heart failure. Which finding would most likely indicate worsening heart failure?

• Decreased B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)

• Increased B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)

• Decreased serum creatinine

• Increased hemoglobin

Answer explanation

Increased B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) indicates worsening heart failure, as BNP levels rise in response to increased cardiac stress and volume overload, reflecting the severity of heart failure.

A patient with heart failure is prescribed an ACE inhibitor. Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching?

• "I will rise slowly from a sitting position."

• "I will avoid foods high in potassium."

• "I will report a persistent dry cough to my provider."

• "I will stop taking the medication if I feel better."

Answer explanation

The statement "I will stop taking the medication if I feel better" indicates a need for further teaching. Patients should continue their ACE inhibitor as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent worsening of heart failure.

A nurse is planning discharge teaching for a patient with heart failure. Which strategy is most effective for ensuring the patient understands their medication regimen?

• Provide a written list of medications only

• Demonstrate and have the patient repeat back the medication schedule

• Advise the patient to look up medications online

• Instruct the patient to call the pharmacy with questions

Answer explanation

Demonstrating the medication schedule and having the patient repeat it back ensures active engagement and confirms understanding, which is more effective than just providing a list or suggesting online resources.

A patient with heart failure presents with confusion, shortness of breath at rest, and frothy sputum. What complication should the nurse suspect?

• Pulmonary embolism

• Acute pulmonary edema

• Myocardial infarction

• Deep vein thrombosis

Answer explanation

The patient's confusion, shortness of breath, and frothy sputum indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, characteristic of acute pulmonary edema, a common complication of heart failure.

A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who is experiencing increased fatigue and swelling in the legs. The patient admits to eating processed foods high in sodium. What is the best nursing intervention?

• Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake

• Reinforce the importance of a low-sodium diet and provide resources for meal planning

• Advise the patient to rest more and avoid exercise

• Suggest the patient skip diuretic doses to avoid dehydration

Answer explanation

Reinforcing a low-sodium diet is crucial for heart failure patients to reduce fluid retention and swelling. Providing meal planning resources helps the patient make healthier choices, addressing the root cause of their symptoms.