162) Answer

D. High fluid intake

Rationale

•An excessive fluid intake in a patient with cardiac disease would increase the risk of heart failure.

•The postpartum patient with cardiac disease is already at risk for fluid overload due to the extra accumulation of fluid from pregnancy.

•Monitoring input and output of the patient is the top priority of the nurse to prevent risk of fluid overload.

•Vital signs should be monitored every 2-4 hrs to monitor the cardiac condition of the patient.

•High fiber diet is recommended to prevent constipation and straining.