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A PCT is caring for a patient who has a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. The patient has a fluid and sodium restriction, which would indicate which of the following?

A) Encouraging high sodium intake
B) Restricting fluid and sodium intake
C) Encouraging excessive fluid intake
D) Restricting only fluid intake

User Rebekah
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Final answer:

The correct response to the patient scenario is restricting fluid and sodium intake (Option B). This helps manage fluid buildup in congestive heart failure. Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide can also be prescribed to increase urine output and reduce fluid retention.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure having a fluid and sodium restriction would indicate restricting fluid and sodium intake. The restrictions are necessary because, in congestive heart failure, the heart is less efficient at pumping blood, which can lead to fluid buildup, particularly in the lungs and extremities. Fluid and sodium restrictions help to manage this by preventing excess fluid from accumulating in the body, thus reducing the workload on the heart.

In terms of pharmacological treatment, a diuretic might be prescribed. Diuretics are compounds that increase urine output, reducing fluid volume and lowering blood pressure. A commonly prescribed diuretic in cases of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure is hydrochlorothiazide, which inhibits the Na+/Cl- symporter in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct, resulting in the loss of sodium along with water following passively by osmosis.

User Patrioticcow
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