Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart does not pump efficiently and does not deliver enough oxygen to your body. Many diseases lead to CHF, such as high blood pressure and diseases of the heart and kidney. Show
Treatment for CHF helps to prevent its complications and relieve its symptoms. The heart does not have to work as hard when you make some changes in your diet. If you eat too much salt or drink too much fluid, your body's water content may increase and make your heart work harder. This can worsen your CHF. The following diet will help decrease some of your symptoms. Reduce the Salt in Your DietEnjoying what you eat is important. Even if you crave salt you can learn to like foods that are lower in salt. Your taste buds will change soon, and you will not miss the salt. Removing salt can bring out flavors that may have been hidden by the salt. Reduce the salt content in your diet by trying the following suggestions:
Continue reading When Checking Labels:Use the nutrition information included on packaged foods. Be sure to notice the number of servings per container. Here are tips for using this information.
When Cooking or Preparing Food:
When Eating Out:A low-sodium diet does not need to spoil the pleasure of a restaurant meal. However, you will have to be careful when ordering. Here are some tips for meals away from home:
Salt-Free Herb BlendsInstead of seasoning your food with salt, enhance the flavor of food with these salt-free herb and spice combinations. To make 1/2 cup, combine the ingredients in a jar. Cover tightly and shake. Keep in a cool, dry place. Then rub or sprinkle them on food for flavor. Chinese 5-SpiceFor chicken, fish or pork:
Mixed Herb BlendFor salads, pasta salads, steamed vegetables, vegetable soup or fish:
Italian BlendFor tomato-based soups, pasta dishes, chicken, pizza, focaccia and herbed bread:
Easy Dip BlendFor mixing with cottage cheese, yogurt, or low-fat sour cream:
When caring for a client with heart failure which type of lung sounds would the nurse expect to hear?The appearance of pulmonary crackles (rales), defined as discontinuous, interrupted, explosive respiratory sounds during inspiration, is one of the most important signs of heart failure deterioration.
Which of the following is the most common cause of left sided heart failure?Most commonly, left-sided heart failure is caused by heart related diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD) or a heart attack. Other left-sided heart failure causes can include: Cardiomyopathy.
Which symptom would the nurse immediately report to the healthcare provider when caring for a client with heart failure?Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
Feeling out of breath after exertion.
Which nursing action may be delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel UAP working on the medical unit?The nursing action that can be delegated to a UAP on the medical unit is to obtain daily weights for several clients with class IV heart failure. Daily weight assessment is included in the role of the nursing assistant, who will report the weights to the RN. The role of the professional nurse is to perform assessments.
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