Final answer:
A heart failure patient's sudden weight gain of 3 pounds in two days should be immediately reported, as it indicates acute fluid retention and possible exacerbation of heart failure symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Immediate Reporting in Heart Failure Patients
In the context of heart failure (HF), certain changes in a patient's condition can be indicative of worsening heart failure and require immediate attention from a healthcare provider. The choice that should be immediately reported is d) Sudden weight gain of 3 pounds in two days. This is a sign of acute fluid retention, which can exacerbate heart failure symptoms and indicates that the patient's current treatment regimen might not be adequately managing their condition. Sudden weight gain can lead to an increase in blood pressure, shortness of breath, and swelling (edema).
Contrarily, the other options listed, such as a) weight loss of 2 pounds in a week, b) increased energy levels during the day, and c) decreased shortness of breath with activity, are potentially positive signs indicating the patient's condition is improving or stable.
It's important to monitor patients with HF closely and report any significant changes, whether they are improvements or deteriorations, to provide the best patient care strategy and avoid complications such as congestive heart failure.