A Patient with a History of Chronic Heart Failure Is

question 2

Multiple Choice

A patient with a history of chronic heart failure is admitted to the emergency department with severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough. The patient has pitting edema in both ankles, blood pressure (BP) of 170/100, an apical pulse rate of 92, and respirations 28. The most important assessment for the nurse to accomplish next is to

• A) auscultate the lung sounds.
• B) assess the orientation.
• C) check the capillary refill.
• D) palpate the abdomen.

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Definitions:

Baccalaureate Nurse

A registered nurse who has earned a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Preventive Care

Screening tests and drugs to prevent disease.

Ambulatory Care

Medical services provided on an outpatient basis, including diagnosis, observation, consultation, treatment, intervention, and rehabilitation services.

Aging Population

Refers to a demographic trend where the median age of a population increases over time due to increasing life expectancy and/or declining birth rates.