Melvin Wellington, 80 years old, is admitted with a severe exacerbation of congestive heart failure. He has 4+ pitting edema of both feet and ankles, moist crackles in the bases of both lungs, and marked shortness of breath

Which of the following could contribute to worsening of his congestive heart failure?
a. Cold remedies containing aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA])
b. Antacids
c. Alcohol
d. Laxatives


B
Older adults often use large amounts of antacids that have a high sodium content. The high sodium content can cause fluid retention and exacerbation of the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Aspirin-containing cold remedies (response A) do not have fluid retention as a side effect. Alcohol use and abuse (response C) can contribute to fluid and electrolyte imbalances but usually not to fluid overload problems. Laxatives (response D) are associated with fluid and electrolyte depletion.

Nursing

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