Heart failure fluid retention

NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-PN
Physiological Adaptation
Bow-tie
Difficulty 3 of 5

Question

Complete the diagram by choosing the condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions to take and 2 parameters to monitor.

Actions to takeSelect 2

Give the prescribed diuretic✓ Correct
Provide the prescribed sodium-restricted meals✓ Correct
Add salt to each meal✗ Incorrect
Withhold the diuretic solely because edema is present✗ Incorrect

Condition most likely experiencingSelect 1

Worsening heart failure with fluid retention✓ Correct
Resolved heart failure✗ Incorrect
Isolated hearing loss✗ Incorrect
Allergic rash✗ Incorrect

Parameters to monitorSelect 2

Daily weight trend✓ Correct
Serum electrolyte results✓ Correct
Hair color✗ Incorrect
Shoe color✗ Incorrect

Answer

Actions to take: Give the prescribed diuretic; Provide the prescribed sodium-restricted meals · Condition most likely experiencing: Worsening heart failure with fluid retention · Parameters to monitor: Daily weight trend; Serum electrolyte results

Rationale

The changes in swelling and weight suggest more fluid is being retained. The prescribed diuretic and sodium restriction address that problem, while weight and electrolytes help evaluate treatment and adverse effects.

RememberTrack weight and electrolytes when treating fluid retention.

Sources

Sources marked “Adapted from” are licensed under CC BY 4.0. We changed the material: its facts are rewritten into an original question, answer options and rationale. The original authors and publishers do not endorse SwipeExam.

Adapted from Open RN Health Alterations: Chapter 5 Cardiovascular Alterations Open RN (Chippewa Valley Technical College) · License: CC BY 4.0 · Retrieved November 2, 2026 · Heart Failure › Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Heart Failure; Nursing Interventions › Health Teaching; Nursing Interventions › Medication Management · 2024
Adapted from Open RN Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition: Chapter 6 Cardiovascular & Renal Systems Open RN (Chippewa Valley Technical College) · License: CC BY 4.0 · Retrieved November 2, 2026 · Review of Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular and Renal Systems › Edema · 2nd edition, 2023

Last verified: November 4, 2026 2 independent automated checks Question rn-pa-02726, version 1

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