A nurse is caring for a patient who has orthopnea. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Encourage deep breathing and coughing.
b. Medicate the patient for pain as needed.
c. Keep the head of the bed elevated.
d. Monitor the length of time the patient doesn't breathe.
ANS: C
Orthopnea is difficulty breathing in positions other than sitting up. To assist the patient who has orthopnea, the nurse keeps the head of the bed elevated to ease breathing.
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