Author Question: The nurse is planning care for an older patient with heart failure who is experiencing shortness of ... (Read 29 times)

mynx · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

The nurse is planning care for an older patient with heart failure who is experiencing shortness of breath. Upon assessment the patient stated the inability to purchase medication because of financial limits.

Which nursing diagnoses will be of the greatest initial importance when planning care? 1. Fluid Volume Excess
2. Fatigue related to shortness of breath
3. Activity Intolerance related to shortness of breath
4. Ineffective Management of Therapeutic Regime related to inability to purchase medications

Question 2

An older patient with valvular disease is scheduled for an echocardiogram. What should the nurse teach the patient about this diagnostic test?

1. Determines the risk for metabolic syndrome
2. Analyzes the reasons for high blood pressure
3. Visualizes the heart valves as they open and close
4. Measures the amount of blood flowing through arteries

elizabethrperez · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

1
Rationale: Although all diagnoses listed are appropriate for this situation, Fluid Volume Excess is the priority diagnosis for this patient.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: An echocardiogram evaluates all heart valve function. This test allows the visualization of the valves as they open and close. Using this test, one can determine valve area, cardiac output, and any regurgitation. It is not used to determine the risk for metabolic syndrome.