A nurse on a telemetry unit is assisting with the plan of care for a client who has pulmonary edema. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A) Place the client in a supine position:

Placing a client with pulmonary edema in a supine position can exacerbate symptoms by increasing venous return and worsening fluid accumulation in the lungs. Instead, positioning the client upright or in a semi-Fowler's position is more appropriate to facilitate respiratory mechanics and decrease venous return.

B) Weigh the client every other day:

Daily weight monitoring is crucial for clients with pulmonary edema to assess fluid balance accurately. Weighing the client every other day may not provide timely information on fluid retention and response to treatment. Therefore, daily weight measurement is typically recommended.

C) Encourage the client to ambulate three times per day:

While mobility is essential for overall health, clients with pulmonary edema may experience dyspnea and fatigue, limiting their ability to ambulate. Ambulation should be encouraged but should be tailored to the client's tolerance level and may need to be adjusted based on their respiratory status.

D) Report urine output less than 30 mL/hr:

Monitoring urine output is vital in clients with pulmonary edema to assess kidney perfusion and fluid balance. A urine output of less than 30 mL/hr may indicate decreased renal perfusion and impaired fluid clearance, which can exacerbate pulmonary congestion. Therefore, it is crucial to report such findings promptly for further evaluation and intervention.

A. "My attorney will need to notarize the document."

This statement indicates a misunderstanding of advance directives. Notarization by an attorney is not a requirement for advance directives. While legal advice may be helpful in completing advance directive documents, notarization by an attorney is not necessary for their validity.

B. "I have to choose a member of my family to be my health care surrogate."

This statement is incorrect. While a family member can serve as a health care surrogate if chosen by the individual, there is no requirement to select a family member. The individual can choose any competent adult to act as their health care surrogate, regardless of familial relationship.

C. "Once the form is notarized, it cannot be changed."

This statement is incorrect. Advance directive documents can be changed or revoked at any time by the individual as long as they are of sound mind and able to make decisions. Notarization does not prevent changes or revisions to the document.

D. "My health care surrogate can decide my treatment if I am unable to."

Correct. This statement demonstrates an understanding of advance directives. A health care surrogate, also known as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, is a person chosen by an individual to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. This includes decisions about medical treatment, procedures, and end-of-life care.