A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic heart failure. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of fluid overload?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shortness of breath and weight gain. In chronic heart failure, fluid overload can lead to pulmonary congestion, causing shortness of breath. Weight gain is also a key sign of fluid retention. Increased urine output and hypotension (choice B) are more indicative of dehydration. Fatigue and dizziness (choice C) can be nonspecific symptoms and not directly related to fluid overload. Dry mouth and thirst (choice D) are symptoms of dehydration rather than fluid overload in chronic heart failure. Monitoring for shortness of breath and weight gain allows for early detection and intervention in managing fluid overload in patients with chronic heart failure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pulmonary edema. In chronic heart failure, the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs causing pulmonary edema. Monitoring for signs such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and crackles can help prevent respiratory distress. Incorrect choices: A: Hypoglycemia - Not directly related to chronic heart failure. B: Hyperkalemia - Can occur in heart failure but not a primary complication to monitor for. D: Anemia - Can be a consequence of chronic heart failure but not a primary complication to monitor for.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping medication without doctor's approval can be harmful. Step 1: Explain the importance of adhering to medication schedule in liver disease management. Step 2: Emphasize that feeling better doesn't mean the disease is cured. Step 3: Highlight potential consequences of stopping medication prematurely. Other choices are correct: A: Avoiding alcohol is essential. B: Following medication schedule is important. D: Maintaining a healthy diet supports liver function.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To monitor the amount of airway obstruction. A peak flow meter is used to measure how well the patient can exhale air from the lungs, indicating the degree of airway obstruction in conditions like asthma. By monitoring peak flow readings, the nurse can assess the severity of the patient's asthma and adjust treatment accordingly. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: To measure the amount of oxygen in the blood - This is the function of a pulse oximeter, not a peak flow meter. C: To measure the frequency of inhaler use - This is not the primary purpose of a peak flow meter, which is specifically used to monitor airway obstruction. D: To track blood glucose levels - This is the function of a glucometer, not a peak flow meter used for asthma management.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing physical activity and managing weight. This is important for stroke prevention as exercise can improve cardiovascular health and help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of another stroke. Increasing sodium intake (B) can actually elevate blood pressure, increasing stroke risk. Avoiding physical activity (C) can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which is detrimental to stroke prevention. Consuming high-calorie, high-fat foods (D) can contribute to obesity and other risk factors for stroke. Prioritizing physical activity and weight management aligns with evidence-based guidelines for stroke prevention.