Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

What is the expected response of a patient with heart failure receiving appropriate therapy?

1. Weight gain and increased fluid retention

2. Reduced shortness of breath and decreased fatigue

3. Worsening edema and hypertension

4. Increased activity tolerance and frequent palpitations

The correct answer is: Reduced shortness of breath and decreased fatigue

The expected response of a patient with heart failure receiving appropriate therapy includes reduced shortness of breath and decreased fatigue. Effective heart failure management aims to improve the patient's quality of life by optimizing heart function, which typically results in these positive symptoms. As therapy takes effect, patients should experience less pulmonary congestion, leading to more comfortable breathing and enhanced capacity for physical activity, thus alleviating feelings of fatigue. Additionally, treatment often involves diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and other medications that help manage fluid levels and enhance cardiac output, contributing to better overall functional status and symptom relief. Considering other responses, weight gain and increased fluid retention indicate a worsening condition, while worsening edema and hypertension suggest inadequate management of heart failure. Increased activity tolerance and frequent palpitations are not typical expected responses; rather, improved tolerance without palpitations would be more aligned with successful treatment outcomes.