Chronic Disease Management Flashcards

Which first-line intervention is recommended for a congregant newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes before initiating pharmacotherapy?

Answer: Therapeutic lifestyle changes including diet and exercise

Therapeutic lifestyle changes—improved diet, increased physical activity, and weight management—are the recommended first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes prior to or alongside medication initiation.

A parish nurse is educating a congregant with hypertension. Which target blood pressure is recommended by current guidelines for most adults with hypertension?

Answer: Less than 130/80 mmHg

Current AHA/ACC guidelines recommend a blood pressure target of less than 130/80 mmHg for most adults with hypertension to reduce cardiovascular risk.

A congregant with chronic heart failure should be instructed to notify their provider if daily weight increases by how much over one to two days?

Answer: 3 pounds

A weight gain of 3 or more pounds in one to two days typically indicates fluid retention and possible heart failure decompensation, requiring prompt medical evaluation.

Which breathing technique is most beneficial to teach a congregant with COPD to reduce air trapping and improve exhalation?

Answer: Pursed-lip breathing

Pursed-lip breathing slows the respiratory rate, prolongs exhalation, and reduces air trapping in COPD by keeping airways open longer during exhalation.

A fasting blood glucose level of which value is diagnostic for diabetes according to American Diabetes Association criteria?

Answer: 126 mg/dL or higher

A fasting blood glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions meets the ADA diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus.

Which dietary restriction is most critical to teach a congregant with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD stages 4-5)?

Answer: Reduced potassium intake

Impaired kidneys cannot excrete potassium effectively, so dietary potassium restriction is essential in advanced CKD to prevent life-threatening hyperkalemia.

When teaching a patient with asthma about trigger avoidance, which indoor environmental factor is most commonly associated with asthma exacerbations?

Answer: Dust mites and allergens

Dust mites are among the most prevalent indoor allergens and are a leading trigger for asthma exacerbations, making allergen reduction strategies critical.