A client has a long history of hypertension and has developed heart fa

A client has a long history of hypertension and has developed heart failure. The nurse should anticipate giving medications for which purpose?

1. To increase preload
2. To decrease afterload
3. To decrease contractility
4. To decrease cardiac output

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: There is no reason to provide medication to increase preload.
Rationale 2: The client likely has developed heart failure secondary to the hypertension, which is an increase in afterload. The nurse would anticipate giving medication to decrease afterload.
Rationale 3: There is no reason to decrease this client’s contractility.
Rationale 4: There is no reason to provide medications to decrease this client’s cardiac output.