When caring for an elderly client with heart failure, which finding would warrant immediate intervention?

Sudden weight gain in an elderly client with heart failure is a critical finding that warrants immediate intervention. This sudden change often indicates fluid retention, which can signal a worsening of heart failure. In heart failure, the heart's ability to pump effectively is compromised, leading to a backlog of fluid in the body. When a client experiences a rapid increase in weight, it may suggest that the body is retaining excess fluid due to heart function decline, potentially resulting in more serious complications such as pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure exacerbation.

Monitoring daily weight is an essential part of managing heart failure because changes in weight can be an early indicator of fluid status and overall heart function. Rapid weight gain—often defined as more than 2-3 pounds in a single day or 5 pounds in a week—should be addressed promptly to prevent severe complications and may necessitate adjustments in diuretics or other treatment modalities.