Question

An 82-year-old patient is readmitted for heart failure (HF) 1 week after being discharged for the same diagnosis. Which findings most likely contributed to the patient's readmission?

1. Not knowing how or when to take medications
2. Not prescribed appropriate medications, including ACE inhibitors and beta blockers
3. No record of body weight since discharge
4. Not filling prescribed medications
5. Received the pneumococcal immunization during the last hospitalization

Answer 1

The patient's readmission for heart failure (HF) was likely due to inadequate management of their condition, including issues with medication adherence, appropriate prescriptions, and monitoring of weight changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The findings that most likely contributed to the patient's readmission for heart failure (HF) could include a lack of understanding of how or when to take medications, not being prescribed appropriate medications like ACE inhibitors and beta blockers, not having a record of body weight changes since the last discharge, and not filling prescribed medications. All of these factors might lead to inadequate management of heart failure, resulting in the worsening of the patient's condition and subsequent readmission. It is essential for the management of heart failure to ensure patients understand their medication regimen, have the right medicines prescribed, and adhere to monitoring protocols including regular weight checks to detect fluid retention early.