Adult health / medical-surgical nursing · practice question

A client with heart failure has crackles bilaterally, 2+ pitting edema, and reports waking up short of breath. Which intervention is the priority?

Multiple choiceEasynclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026adult-health-med-surg

Encourage 2 L of oral fluid intake to prevent dehydration.Document findings and reassess next shift.Ambulate the client in the hallway before reassessing lungs.Position the client upright, assess oxygenation, and administer prescribed diuretic/oxygen per protocol.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

D. Position the client upright, assess oxygenation, and administer prescribed diuretic/oxygen per protocol.

Why

Pulmonary edema and fluid overload require upright positioning, oxygenation, and diuresis per provider orders—not fluid loading or delayed care.

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A client with heart failure has crackles bilaterally, 2+ pitting edema, and reports waking up short of breath. Which intervention is the priority?

Correct answer

Why

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