Which medications would a nurse anticipate for a client newly diagnosed with heart failure?

In the management of heart failure, it is crucial to alleviate fluid overload and improve cardiac function. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, plays a pivotal role in managing fluid retention by promoting diuresis, resulting in decreased extracellular fluid volume and alleviating symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath. Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, serves a dual purpose: it reduces the workload on the heart by lowering blood pressure and helps to prevent the progression of heart failure by providing protective effects on the heart and kidneys.

The combination of Furosemide and Lisinopril addresses both immediate symptoms of heart failure (by managing fluid balance) and long-term strategies for heart function improvement. This approach is often considered a standard pharmacological regimen for patients newly diagnosed with heart failure, aiming to stabilize their condition and enhance their quality of life.

Other options present medications that do not align as effectively with the immediate and management needs of heart failure. Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, is not typically first-line for heart failure management due to its potential negative effects on cardiac output. Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can actually worsen heart failure due to fluid retention. Prednisone, a