Question

The nurse has received a report from the emergency room of a direct-admit client with congestive heart failure. Which physician prescription should be the priority? A. Low-sodium diet B. Identify and continue home medications C. Limit fluids to \(500 \mathrm{~mL}\) per shift D. Administer furosemide (Lasix)

Short answer

Answer: D. Administer furosemide (Lasix).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, resulting in fluid build-up around the heart and in other areas of the body. In order to determine which prescription should be prioritized, it is important to understand the impact each one has on the client's condition.

Analyzing Each Prescription Option

Now, let's analyze the impact of each prescription option on congestive heart failure: A. Low-sodium diet: A low-sodium diet helps prevent fluid retention, which can exacerbate CHF symptoms. Although helpful, it may not provide immediate relief to the client. B. Identify and continue home medications: Continuing appropriate home medications can help the client maintain better overall health; however, it may not address the urgent needs of the CHF client. C. Limit fluids to \(500 \mathrm{~mL}\) per shift: Limiting fluid intake can help to prevent further fluid build-up in the body. Though helpful, this may also not provide immediate relief to the client. D. Administer furosemide (Lasix): Furosemide is a diuretic that helps eliminate excess fluid through increased urine production. This medication can provide immediate relief to the client by reducing fluid build-up and decreasing symptoms of CHF.

Determine the Priority Prescription

Considering the impact of each prescription option, the priority prescription is the one that provides immediate relief and addresses the urgent needs of the CHF patient. Therefore, the correct answer is : D. Administer furosemide (Lasix)