Which of the following is a key symptom that requires action in heart failure self-care management?

A weight gain of 5 pounds in one week is a key symptom that requires action in heart failure self-care management. In patients with heart failure, sudden weight gain often indicates fluid retention due to worsening heart function, which can lead to exacerbations of heart failure symptoms. Monitoring weight is a critical aspect of managing heart failure, as changes can reflect changes in fluid status.

When a patient notices a significant and rapid increase in weight, especially if it is 2-3 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in a week, it usually warrants immediate assessment and intervention. This might include adjusting medications (such as diuretics), evaluating dietary intake, or monitoring other symptoms like shortness of breath or swelling. Prompt recognition of this weight gain can help prevent hospitalization and stabilize the patient’s condition.

In contrast, an increase in exercise tolerance and a decrease in medication adherence do not typically trigger immediate action. Enhanced exercise tolerance is generally a positive development, while reduced adherence may require discussions with healthcare providers but is not an immediate crisis like significant weight gain. The mention of practical joke frequency does not pertain to heart failure management and is irrelevant in this context.