Question

The nurse is providing discharge education to a client with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). What priority instruction will the nurse include?

a. "Take your digoxin at the same time every day."
b. "You should begin an aerobic exercise program."
c. "You should report episodes of dizziness or fainting."
d. "You may have only two alcoholic drinks daily."

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to report episodes of dizziness or fainting as a priority, indicating potential complications that can be life-threatening and might require immediate attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct priority instruction for a nurse to provide to a client with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is c. "You should report episodes of dizziness or fainting." This is important because symptoms such as dizziness or fainting could indicate that the condition is worsening or that there are complications, such as arrhythmias, which require immediate medical attention. It is essential for the patient to be aware of these serious symptoms as they can be life-threatening and might necessitate urgent treatment like cardioversion or defibrillation.

Moreover, a supervised exercise program may be beneficial, but it should be specifically tailored to the patient's condition, and, as such, the patient should consult with a cardiologist before beginning any exercise program. Alcohol intake might need to be limited or avoided completely due to its potential impact on the heart, and the usage of medications like digoxin should follow a cardiologist's prescription closely.