A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 2 days postpartum. The client tells the nurse she cannot afford to pay for baby formula. The nurse should refer the client to which of the following members of the interprofessional team?

Explanation

D. Maintain the client in high-Flower’s position

Crackles in the bases of the lungs, shortness of breath, and an increased respiratory rate are signs of pulmonary congestion, which is commonly seen in heart failure. Maintaining the client in a high-Fowler's position, with the head of the bed elevated to a 45-60-degree angle, helps reduce venous return to the heart, decreases fluid accumulation in the lungs, and improves breathing comfort for the client.

The other options are not appropriate actions for the client's condition:

Instructing the client to cough every 4 hours in (option A) is not the priority action in this situation. Coughing may not effectively address the underlying cause of pulmonary congestion and may not provide immediate relief for the client.

Encouraging the client to ambulate to loosen secretions in (option B) is not the priority action in this situation. While ambulation can be beneficial for overall health, the client's symptoms of pulmonary congestion require immediate attention to improve respiratory status.

Increasing the client's intake of oral fluids in (option C) is not the priority action in this situation. While maintaining adequate hydration is important, excessive fluid intake can worsen the symptoms of heart failure and contribute to further fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Therefore, the nurse should maintain the client in high-Fowler's position (option D) to promote optimal lung function and improve breathing comfort. It is important to promptly notify the healthcare provider of the client's condition for further assessment and intervention.

Fidelity, also known as loyalty or faithfulness, refers to the nurse's commitment to keeping promises and fulfilling their responsibilities to the client. By promising to walk with the client in the outdoor courtyard each day, the nurse is demonstrating fidelity by maintaining their commitment to the client's well-being and providing the support needed to alleviate anxiety.

Autonomy refers to the client's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. While the nurse's promise supports the client's autonomy by accommodating their preference for exercising in the courtyard, it is not the principle being demonstrated by the nurse.

Justice refers to fairness and equality in healthcare, ensuring equitable treatment and distribution of resources. While justice is an important ethical principle, it is not directly applicable in this situation.

Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm and taking actions to prevent harm to the client. While the nurse's promise of walking with the client aligns with the goal of reducing anxiety, it is not specifically related to preventing harm.