Essential of Pediatric Nursing Test Bank Related

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Which of the ff nursing interventions should a nurse perform when caring for a client with congestive heart failure who has decreased cardiac output?

  • A. Encourage activities that engage the Valsalva maneuver
  • B. Encourage the client to perform exercises
  • C. Assess apical heart before administering digitalis
  • D. Offer small frequent feedings
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Decreased cardiac output is a serious concern in clients with congestive heart failure. By assessing the apical heart rate before administering digitalis, the nurse can monitor the client's cardiac status and prevent possible complications such as digitalis toxicity. Digitalis is a medication commonly used to improve cardiac output in clients with heart failure, but it can also cause harm if given inappropriately, especially if the client's heart rate is already low. Monitoring the client's apical heart rate before giving digitalis helps ensure that the medication is safely administered and that the client's cardiac status is closely monitored. This intervention is crucial in the care of clients with congestive heart failure to optimize patient safety and outcomes.