Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

For a patient with chronic heart failure, which of the following assessments is essential during a routine visit?

1. Assessment of bowel sounds

2. Daily weight measurement

3. Measurement of capillary refill time

4. Assessment of skin turgor

The correct answer is: Daily weight measurement

Daily weight measurement is essential for a patient with chronic heart failure because it provides critical information regarding fluid retention and body weight changes. In heart failure, the body often retains fluid due to the heart's reduced ability to pump efficiently, leading to weight gain. Monitoring daily weights allows healthcare providers to detect early signs of fluid overload, enabling prompt intervention to prevent complications such as exacerbation of symptoms, hospitalization, or progression of heart failure. It is a straightforward yet effective way to assess a patient's status and the effectiveness of treatment strategies. While other assessments like bowel sounds, capillary refill time, and skin turgor can provide additional health information, they are not as directly related to managing chronic heart failure as daily weight measurement. Understanding the patient's fluid status through weight changes is a fundamental component of care for those with this condition.