Question

The nurse identifies a priority problem of fatigue and weakness for the patient with heart failure. After ambulating 200 feet down the hall, the patient's blood pressure change is more than 20 mm Hg. How does the nurse interpret this data?

a. The patient is building endurance.
b. The activity is too stressful.
c. The patient could walk farther.
d. The activity is appropriate.

Answer 1

A significant drop in blood pressure after walking 200 feet suggests that the activity is too stressful for a patient with heart failure, indicating a need to adjust the exercise regimen to prevent overexertion.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient with heart failure experiences a significant drop in blood pressure after physical activity, such as the mentioned change of more than 20 mm Hg after ambulating 200 feet down the hall, the nurse should interpret this as an indicator that the activity may be too stressful for the patient. This change in blood pressure suggests that the exercise is demanding too much effort from the heart, which is struggling to pump blood efficiently due to heart failure. Patients with heart failure have a compromised ability to maintain adequate circulation during physical activity which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and even worsening of the condition. Therefore, the nurse should assess the patient's tolerance to activity and adjust the exercise regimen accordingly, potentially including shorter walks with rest intervals, to prevent overexertion and to manage heart failure effectively.