NCLEX: A 72-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for heart failure and diuretic therapy. Asse…

Pharmacology Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Case Study

A 72-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for heart failure and diuretic therapy. Assessment data include the client has new facial swelling and difficulty swallowing after the first dose. The nurse is evaluating discharge teaching. Which client statement shows correct understanding?

Question

A. "I will stop my medications when I feel better."
B. "I do not need to report mild symptoms unless they become unbearable."
C. "The nurse does not need to know about changes unless the provider asks."
D. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."

Rationale

Correct answer: D. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."

Rationale: Effective teaching includes when to seek help for worsening symptoms. Stopping medications or delaying reports are unsafe.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Cardiac medications