A nurse is caring for a 44-year-old female client in the emergency department.

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the list of options.
The client is experiencing

caused by

A. Pink, frothy sputum is typically associated with left-sided heart failure and pulmonary edema. This occurs when fluid backs up into the lungs due to left-sided heart failure. Since the question pertains to right-sided heart failure, this statement is not consistent with that condition.

B. Feeling short of breath when lying flat is known as orthopnea and is more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure. It occurs due to fluid shifting into the lungs when supine, which aggravates pulmonary congestion. This statement is not consistent with right-sided heart failure.
C. Hearing fluid in the lungs typically indicates left-sided heart failure, where fluid backs up into the pulmonary circulation, causing pulmonary edema. This symptom is associated with left-sided heart failure rather than right-sided heart failure.
D. Swelling of the legs, also known as peripheral edema, is a hallmark of right-sided heart failure. This occurs because the right side of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood out to the lungs, leading to fluid accumulation in the systemic venous circulation and resulting in swelling in the lower extremities and sometimes the abdomen

A. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) can occur in response to hypoxia (low oxygen levels), stress, or as a side effect of medications like albuterol. While tachycardia is a concerning sign in the context of an asthma exacerbation, it alone does not directly indicate the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. It is often managed by addressing the underlying respiratory distress and improving oxygenation.
B. Anxiety is common in patients struggling to breathe, as they may feel frightened or panicked due to their difficulty breathing. However, anxiety itself is not an indicator for intubation and mechanical ventilation. It is a symptom of respiratory distress but does not directly assess the severity of the physiological need for mechanical support.
C. Hypotension (low blood pressure) in the context of an asthma exacerbation can be a sign of severe illness, possibly indicating shock or severe respiratory distress leading to reduced cardiac output. While hypotension is a serious concern, it is less directly related to the immediate need for intubation and mechanical ventilation compared to other indicators of respiratory failure.
D. Loud expiratory wheezing indicates significant airway obstruction but does not necessarily reflect the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. Wheezing can be a sign of severe asthma but may not be sufficient on its own to necessitate intubation if the patient can still maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.