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.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who complains constantly of being cold. This situation is secondary to thinning of what layer of the skin?
A) Epidermis B) Papillary dermis C) Reticular dermis D) Hypodermis
A nurse is performing the health history and physical assessment of a patient who has a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). What assessment finding is most consistent with the clinical presentation of RA?
A) Cool joints with decreased range of motion B) Signs of systemic infection C) Joint stiffness, especially in the morning D) Visible atrophy of the knee and shoulder joints
A diagnosis of dissociative identity disturbance has been identified for a patient who has stated that he is unable to distinguish between himself and his surroundings. What is an appropriate outcome for this patient?
a. Refers to himself as "the patient" b. Identifies the onset of increasing anxiety c. Uses manipulative behaviors to meet needs d. Displays ability to suppress feelings of dissatisfaction
Several senior citizens have asked the nurse to do a presentation on degenerative diseases. What does the nurse plan to teach as the most common degenerative diseases? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply
1. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 2. Multiple sclerosis 3. Alzheimer's disease 4. Huntington's chorea 5. Parkinson's disease