Final Answer:
The nurse will instruct the patient with heart failure to prioritize smoking cessation, reduce salt intake to 1 gram per day, restrict caloric intake to achieve the recommended body weight, and attend cardiac rehabilitation sessions as prescribed. Additionally, the patient should limit alcoholic intake to no more than three drinks per day.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse's instructions encompass a comprehensive approach to managing heart failure through nonpharmacological strategies. Smoking cessation is crucial due to the harmful effects of smoking on cardiovascular health. Reducing salt intake to 1 gram per day helps manage fluid retention, a common issue in heart failure. Restricting caloric intake to achieve the recommended body weight is essential for optimizing cardiac function and preventing obesity-related complications.
Attending cardiac rehabilitation sessions as prescribed is vital for structured physical activity, which can improve cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being. Lastly, limiting alcoholic intake to no more than three drinks per day is advised to prevent further strain on the heart and potential interactions with medications.
These recommendations are based on established guidelines for heart failure management. For example, the American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day for individuals with heart failure. Caloric restriction aims to achieve a healthy weight, reducing the workload on the heart. Cardiac rehabilitation is a standard component of heart failure care, promoting exercise in a supervised setting.