ATI Capstone Comprehensive Assessment B Related

Review ATI Capstone Comprehensive Assessment B related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who has developed pulmonary edema. What is the nurse's priority action?

  • A. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
  • B. Place the patient in a high Fowler's position.
  • C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
  • D. Monitor the patient's lung sounds every 2 hours.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the patient in a high Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation in cases of pulmonary edema by reducing venous return to the heart and enhancing respiratory mechanics. Administering a diuretic (Choice A) can be important but is not the priority over positioning in this situation. Administering oxygen (Choice C) is essential, but the priority action for improving oxygenation is the positioning of the patient. Monitoring lung sounds (Choice D) is crucial for ongoing assessment but is not the priority action when the patient is in distress with pulmonary edema.