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A nurse is using a telehealth platform to monitor the vital
signs of a patient with chronic heart failure who lives in a
rural area. The nurse notices that the patient's blood
pressure is elevated and the patient reports feeling short of
breath. What should the nurse do next?
 - A) Advise the patient to take an extra dose of their
diuretic medication and call back in an hour.
 - B) Contact the patient's primary care provider and
request an urgent referral to a cardiologist.
 - C) Arrange for an ambulance to transport the patient to
the nearest hospital for evaluation and treatment.
 - D) Educate the patient about the signs and symptoms of
heart failure exacerbation and the importance of adhering
to their medication regimen.
 - Answer: C
 - Rationale: The patient is showing signs of a possible
heart failure exacerbation, which is a medical emergency
that requires immediate attention. The nurse should arrange
for the patient to be transported to the hospital where they
can receive appropriate care and interventions. Option A is
incorrect because taking an extra dose of diuretic
medication could worsen the patient's condition by causing
dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or kidney damage.
Option B is incorrect because contacting the primary care
provider and requesting a referral to a cardiologist would
delay the patient's access to timely and specialized care.
Option D is incorrect because educating the patient about
their condition and medication adherence is important, but
not a priority in this situation.
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