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.