A Patient with Chronic Congestive Heart Failure Has Repeated Hospitalizations

question 4

Multiple Choice

A patient with chronic congestive heart failure has repeated hospitalizations in spite of ongoing treatment with hydrochlorothiazide [HydroDIURIL] and digoxin. The prescriber has ordered spironolactone [Aldactone] to be added to this patient's drug regimen, and the nurse provides education about this medication. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

• A) "I can expect improvement within a few hours after taking this drug."
• B) "I need to stop taking potassium supplements."
• C) "I should use salt substitutes to prevent toxic side effects."
• D) "I should watch closely for dehydration."

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Definitions:

Pyloric Stenosis

A condition in infants where the passage from the stomach to the intestine is narrowed, leading to vomiting and difficulty feeding.

Hypertrophy

An increase in the size of an organ or tissue through the enlargement of its cells, often in response to stress or increased demand.

Hypotonicity

A condition where there is decreased muscle tone, making muscles feel flaccid and leading to difficulties in maintaining posture or movement.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A term for two conditions, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, that cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.