health assessment test bank jarvis Related

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A patient with heart failure tells the nurse, "I can't breathe very well at night." The nurse should ask:

  • A. "Is the breathing difficulty worse when you're lying down?"
  • B. "What has been the duration of your breathing problems?"
  • C. "Do you feel short of breath during the day as well?"
  • D. "Have you had any previous episodes of difficulty breathing?"
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it helps differentiate between orthopnea (difficulty breathing when lying down) and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (sudden awakening due to difficulty breathing). By asking about worsening symptoms when lying down, the nurse can assess if the patient has orthopnea, a classic symptom of heart failure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically target the nighttime breathing difficulty associated with heart failure.