Need help with a care plan!

[blynn9173]

I am doing a care plan on a 77 y/o patient with an UTI. We have to put a rationale for the doctors orders. I can't come up with a good rational of why they want her to restrict her fluids, and why she is on a cardiac low fat NAS diet. We have not covered this is class yet. I have been reading the chapters on renal but I can't seem to come up with the right answer. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

the reason for a cardiac low fat nas diet and restricted fluids is not going to be found in the renal chapters. physicians treatments aren't all that different from nursing treatments. they break down the medical diseases into their component signs and symptoms and often order treatments for each of the signs and symptoms. this patient has other medical problems beside a uti. look at the h&p or at the medications that the doctor has ordered for the patient for more clues as to what is going on. this patient probably has chf (congestive heart failure) or cad (coronary artery disease) which is why the no added salt and low fat diet was ordered. salt and fluid restricted diets would be appropriate for both medical diagnoses.