EXAM: EAQs Med-Surg Heart Failure Exam
with Complete Solutions
The nurse recognizes that a primary goal for a patient with chronic heart failure is what?
1. Maximizing cardiac output
2. Maintaining an ideal body weight
3. Performing daily aerobic exercises
4. Maintaining a steady pulse oximetry reading CORRECT ANS-1. Maximizing cardiac
output
(An increase in cardiac output helps overcome chronic heart failure, thereby maintaining the
blood flow to meet the body's demand. Being overweight is just one risk factor for chronic
heart failure; maintaining ideal body weight may not be a goal for some patients. Performing
daily aerobic exercises may be too strenuous on the heart. There are many risk factors to
consider when determining treatment goals. Pulse oximetry is used to monitor the
effectiveness of oxygen therapy, and achievement of a steady reading is not a practical or
primary goal.)
, EXAM: EAQs Med-Surg Heart Failure Exam
with Complete Solutions
The nurse is caring for a patient with manifestations of acute decompensated heart failure
(ADHF). What is the priority nursing assessment?
1. Lung sounds
2. Facial swelling
3. Level of anxiety
4. Intake and Output CORRECT ANS-1. Lung sounds
(The priority nursing assessment is auscultation of lung sounds. Excess fluid volume often
leads to pulmonary congestion. ADHF can manifest as pulmonary edema. Facial swelling is a
possible side effect with prescribed renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors for heart failure.
It is important to assess the patient's anxiety, but it is not the priority. Assessing intake and
output is important for right-sided heart failure.)
, EXAM: EAQs Med-Surg Heart Failure Exam
with Complete Solutions
A nurse provides discharge instructions to a patient with chronic heart failure related to
dietary restrictions. Which statement made by the patient indicates understanding of the
teaching?
1. "I should not use salt at the table."
2. "I should increase the intake of milk."
3. "I should avoid use of lemon juice and spices."
4. "I can eat bread, processed meat, and cheese." CORRECT ANS-1. "I should not use salt at
the table."
(Patients with heart failure should avoid salt because it contains sodium. Sodium tends to
absorb water and increase edema, which may worsen heart failure. Bread, processed meat,
and cheese contain high levels of sodium and should be avoided. Intake of milk should be
restricted to only two cups daily because it is rich in fat. Lemon juice and spices can be used
instead of salt to flavor food.)
with Complete Solutions
The nurse recognizes that a primary goal for a patient with chronic heart failure is what?
1. Maximizing cardiac output
2. Maintaining an ideal body weight
3. Performing daily aerobic exercises
4. Maintaining a steady pulse oximetry reading CORRECT ANS-1. Maximizing cardiac
output
(An increase in cardiac output helps overcome chronic heart failure, thereby maintaining the
blood flow to meet the body's demand. Being overweight is just one risk factor for chronic
heart failure; maintaining ideal body weight may not be a goal for some patients. Performing
daily aerobic exercises may be too strenuous on the heart. There are many risk factors to
consider when determining treatment goals. Pulse oximetry is used to monitor the
effectiveness of oxygen therapy, and achievement of a steady reading is not a practical or
primary goal.)
, EXAM: EAQs Med-Surg Heart Failure Exam
with Complete Solutions
The nurse is caring for a patient with manifestations of acute decompensated heart failure
(ADHF). What is the priority nursing assessment?
1. Lung sounds
2. Facial swelling
3. Level of anxiety
4. Intake and Output CORRECT ANS-1. Lung sounds
(The priority nursing assessment is auscultation of lung sounds. Excess fluid volume often
leads to pulmonary congestion. ADHF can manifest as pulmonary edema. Facial swelling is a
possible side effect with prescribed renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors for heart failure.
It is important to assess the patient's anxiety, but it is not the priority. Assessing intake and
output is important for right-sided heart failure.)
, EXAM: EAQs Med-Surg Heart Failure Exam
with Complete Solutions
A nurse provides discharge instructions to a patient with chronic heart failure related to
dietary restrictions. Which statement made by the patient indicates understanding of the
teaching?
1. "I should not use salt at the table."
2. "I should increase the intake of milk."
3. "I should avoid use of lemon juice and spices."
4. "I can eat bread, processed meat, and cheese." CORRECT ANS-1. "I should not use salt at
the table."
(Patients with heart failure should avoid salt because it contains sodium. Sodium tends to
absorb water and increase edema, which may worsen heart failure. Bread, processed meat,
and cheese contain high levels of sodium and should be avoided. Intake of milk should be
restricted to only two cups daily because it is rich in fat. Lemon juice and spices can be used
instead of salt to flavor food.)
