Question

A client has a heart rate averaging 56 beats/min with no adverse symptoms. What activity modifications does the nurse suggest to avoid further slowing of the heart rate?

a. ""Make certain that your bath water is warm (100° F).""
b. ""Avoid bearing down or straining while having a bowel movement.""
c. ""Avoid strenuous exercise, such as running, during the late afternoon.""
d. ""Limit your intake of caffeinated drinks to no more than 2 cups per day.""

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the client to (b) avoid bearing down or straining during bowel movements to prevent further slowing of the heart rate, which is indicative of bradycardia but not clinically significant without adverse symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client has a heart rate averaging 56 beats/min and exhibits no adverse symptoms, this may indicate bradycardia. However, without symptoms like weakness, fatigue, dizziness, etc., bradycardia is not considered clinically significant. Concerning activity modifications to avoid further slowing of the heart rate, the nurse should suggest:

• "Avoid bearing down or straining while having a bowel movement." This prevents the Valsalva maneuver, which can slow down the heart rate further.

The other options provided are not specifically targeted at preventing a further decrease in heart rate. Warm bath water is not directly related to heart rate, avoiding strenuous exercise in the late afternoon doesn't consider the client's overall exercise tolerance or current fitness, and limiting caffeine might be more relevant to preventing tachycardia rather than bradycardia, although overall intake should be moderate.