Pharmacology Proctored ATI Practice Exam

Which prescription requires clarification for a client with acute heart failure post-MI?

1. 0.9% normal saline IV at 50 mL/hr continuous

2. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min

3. Daily weight monitoring

4. Restrict sodium intake

The correct answer is: 0.9% normal saline IV at 50 mL/hr continuous

In this case, the prescription that requires clarification for a client with acute heart failure post-MI is A. The administration of 0.9% normal saline IV at 50 mL/hr continuously may exacerbate heart failure by increasing fluid volume and workload on the heart. In heart failure, the priority is to reduce the fluid volume overload to decrease the heart's workload. This is why the prescription for 0.9% normal saline IV at 50 mL/hr continuous would require clarification. Options B, C, and D are appropriate interventions for a client with heart failure post-MI. Administering oxygen at 2 L/min helps improve oxygenation, daily weight monitoring helps assess for fluid retention, and restricting sodium intake helps decrease fluid retention and workload on the heart.