Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 9th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 9th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

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: The correct answer is C: Assess apical heart before administering digitalis. This is important because digitalis can slow down the heart rate, so it is crucial to monitor the client's heart rate before giving the medication to prevent further decrease in cardiac output. Encouraging activities that engage the Valsalva maneuver (A) is contraindicated in clients with congestive heart failure as it can lead to increased intra-thoracic pressure and decreased venous return, worsening cardiac output. Encouraging the client to perform exercises (B) may also increase cardiac workload and exacerbate symptoms. Offering small frequent feedings (D) is generally beneficial for clients with congestive heart failure to prevent overeating and promote easier digestion, but it does not directly address the decreased cardiac output concern in this scenario.