The patient has become very dyspneic, respirations are 32, and the pulse is 100. The patient is coughing up frothy red sputum. What should be the initial nursing intervention?
a. Lay the patient flat to reduce hypotension and the symptoms of cardiogenic shock.
b. Place patient in side-lying position to reduce the symptoms of atrial fibrillation.
c. Place patient upright with legs in dependent position to reduce the symptoms of pulmonary edema. d.
Lay the patient flat and elevate the feet to increase venous return in cardiogenic shock.
ANS: C
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema are restlessness; vague uneasiness; agitation; disorientation; diaphoresis; severe dyspnea; tachypnea; tachycardia; pallor or cyanosis; cough producing large quantities of blood-tinged, frothy sputum; audible wheezing and crackles; and cold extremities. The legs in a dependent position will decrease venous return and ease the pulmonary edema.
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