Case study: Client with acute decompensated heart failure. A 74-year-old with heart failure is admitted with severe dyspnea, crackles, and orthopnea. The client is coughing pink frothy sputum. Which finding in this case is the highest priority for the nurse to address first?

Question

Accepted Answer

A. acute pulmonary edema from worsening heart failure — In this case, the highest-priority finding is acute pulmonary edema from worsening heart failure because it most directly threatens safety or signals clinical deterioration.

Answer

B. chronic fatigue at home

Answer

C. low-sodium diet questions

Answer

D. trace ankle edema