Editing Nutrition – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 10==
The LPN is obtaining a daily weight on a client with heart failure. Which action is correct?
# Weigh the client after breakfast so the reading reflects a full day.
# Weigh the client at the same time each morning, after voiding, in similar clothing.
# Use whichever scale is available on the unit each day.
# Weigh the client only when the client reports feeling swollen.

'''Answer:''' 2. Weigh the client at the same time each morning, after voiding, in similar clothing.

''Rationale:'' Daily weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid status, and its value depends entirely on consistency of technique. The standard is the same time each day, usually before breakfast, after voiding, on the same scale, wearing the same amount of clothing. Approximately 1 kg of weight change equals about 1 liter of fluid, or roughly 2.2 pounds per liter. The LPN should report a gain of 2 to 3 pounds in 24 hours or 5 pounds in a week to the RN, because it signals fluid retention before edema and dyspnea appear. Options 1, 3, and 4 all introduce variables that make trends meaningless.