A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of heart failure. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering diuretics to manage fluid retention. In heart failure, fluid overload can worsen symptoms and lead to complications. Diuretics help reduce excess fluid in the body, relieving strain on the heart. This intervention helps improve cardiac function and alleviate symptoms. Choice B (Encouraging increased physical activity) may be beneficial in some cases, but in heart failure, excessive physical activity can strain the heart further. Choice C (Providing a low-sodium diet) is important in managing heart failure, but diuretics would be more critical initially to address immediate fluid retention. Choice D (Encouraging high-potassium foods) is important for overall health but not the priority in managing heart failure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because taking insulin only when blood sugar is high is incorrect and can lead to dangerous complications. Step 1: Insulin should be taken as prescribed by the healthcare provider, not based solely on blood sugar levels. Step 2: Checking blood sugar regularly (A) is essential for diabetes management. Step 3: Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly (C) are crucial for diabetes control. Step 4: Reporting signs of infection to the healthcare provider (D) is important due to diabetes-related complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Assessing serum creatinine levels and GFR is crucial in monitoring kidney function in CKD patients. These tests provide information on the kidney's ability to filter waste products from the blood. Monitoring these levels helps in determining the stage of CKD and adjusting treatment plans accordingly. Blood glucose levels (B) are important in diabetes management but not the priority in CKD. Hemoglobin levels (C) are important for anemia assessment in CKD but not as critical as kidney function. Potassium levels (D) are important to monitor in CKD, but assessing kidney function takes precedence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increase potassium intake. Potassium helps to lower blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. This dietary change is crucial for managing hypertension. Increasing sodium intake (choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to increased blood pressure. Increasing fiber intake (choice C) is beneficial for overall health but not specifically for hypertension. Increasing alcohol intake (choice D) is harmful and can worsen hypertension. Prioritizing increasing potassium intake is essential for effectively managing hypertension.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Shakiness and dizziness. Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms such as shakiness and dizziness. This is because the brain requires glucose for energy, and when levels drop too low, these symptoms can occur. Increased thirst and urination (A) are more indicative of hyperglycemia, where blood sugar levels are too high. Blurred vision and headaches (C) can be symptoms of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia but are less specific to hypoglycemia. Fatigue and weight loss (D) are not typical symptoms of hypoglycemia.