A patient with heart failure reports a 5-lb weight gain during the past week and episodes of feeling more short of breath. What is the nurse's best response?
a. "These changes are to be expected because you have heart failure."
b. "You will probably need a decreased dose of your diuretic drug."
c. "I will ask the dietitian to discuss a weight loss diet with you."
d. "Your prescriber must be notified because your heart failure is getting worse."
D
Patient weight gain and increased shortness of breath are signs of worsening heart failure. The prescriber should be notified because the plan of care may need to be modified. If the patient is taking a diuretic, it is likely that the dose may be increased.
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