An older patient is at home after being diagnosed with fluid ...

[karen]

An older patient is at home after being diagnosed with fluid volume overload. What should the home care nurse instruct this patient to do?
 
  1. Wear support hose.
  2. Keep legs in a dependent position.
  3. Avoid wearing shoes while in the home.
  4. Try to sleep without extra pillows.

Question 2

A postoperative patient with a fluid volume deficit is prescribed progressive ambulation, yet is weak from an inadequate fluid status. What should the nurse do to help this patient?
 
  1. Assist the patient to maintain a standing position for several minutes.
  2. Recommend that this patient be on bed rest.
  3. Assist the patient to move into different positions in stages.
  4. Contact physical therapy to provide a walker.

[Kdiggy]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The home care nurse should instruct this patient about ways to decrease dependent edema, which include wearing support hose, elevating feet when in a sitting position, and resting in a recliner or bed with extra pillows. As long as the shoes are well fitting, there is no reason to avoid wearing them.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3

The patient needs to be taught how to avoid orthostatic hypotension, which involves assisting and teaching the patient how to move from one position to another in stages. The patient should avoid prolonged standing. Bed rest can promote skin breakdown. A physician referral is needed for physical therapy intervention and is not indicated in this situation.

[karen]

Excellent

[laurnthompson]

TYSM