Question

A nurse is caring for a client who presents to a clinic for a 1-week follow-up visit after hospitalization for heart failure. based on the information in the client's chart, which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

a. Weight loss of 2 pounds.

b. Decreased shortness of breath.

c. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.

d. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L.

Answer 1

The nurse should report the serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L to the provider as it is low and can lead to dangerous heart rhythms, especially in patients with heart failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of the question relates to a client follow-up visit after hospitalization for heart failure. The nurse should report finding d. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L to the provider. This value is considered low, as the normal range for serum potassium is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. Hypokalemia can be particularly concerning in patients with heart issues because it can lead to dangerous heart rhythms, potentially exacerbating heart failure or leading to other cardiac complications.

A weight loss of 2 pounds can be expected after hospitalization for heart failure if it is due to excess fluid loss, and decreased shortness of breath is a positive sign indicating the client's condition may be improving. A blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within a prehypertension range but not immediately alarming unless it deviates significantly from the client’s baseline or the provider’s target blood pressure goal.