A client who is undergoing external beam radiation for prostate cancer has developed desquamation of the skin in the treatment area. Which of the following statements should the nurse plan to include for this patient? (Select all that apply.)

A. This symptom is consistent with orthopnea, which is common in left-sided heart failure rather than right-sided heart failure. In orthopnea, patients experience shortness of breath when lying flat because fluid accumulates in the lungs due to impaired left ventricular function.
B. Pink-tinged or blood-tinged sputum, known as hemoptysis, can occur in left-sided heart failure due to pulmonary congestion and elevated pressures in the pulmonary circulation. This symptom is not typically associated with right-sided heart failure.
C. This finding suggests pulmonary congestion, which is more indicative of left-sided heart failure. In left- sided heart failure, fluid backs up into the lungs, leading to crackles or rales on auscultation.
D. This statement is consistent with right-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, the right ventricle fails to effectively pump blood into the pulmonary circulation, causing fluid to back up into the venous system. This can lead to peripheral edema (such as in the legs and abdomen) and abdominal distension due to ascites (fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity).

A. Defibrillation is not typically indicated for atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation involves disorganized electrical activity in the atria rather than a shockable rhythm like ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, emergency defibrillation is not appropriate for a client with persistent atrial fibrillation.
B. CABG is a surgical procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart muscle by bypassing blocked coronary arteries. It is primarily indicated for clients with significant coronary artery disease that cannot be managed effectively with medications or less invasive
C. Anticoagulant therapy, such as with medications like warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), is crucial for clients with atrial fibrillation. AFib predisposes individuals to an increased risk of stroke due to the potential formation of blood clots in the atria. Anticoagulants help prevent clot formation and reduce the risk of stroke.
D. Diuretics are medications that increase urine output and are often used to manage fluid overload or congestion in conditions such as heart failure or volume overload. However, diuretic therapy alone does not address the underlying rhythm abnormality of atrial fibrillation.