Which assessment finding would the nurse expect from a patient with left-sided heart failure?

A. While notifying the dietary department of the client's allergy to shellfish is important, the priority is to ensure that the healthcare provider is aware of the allergy, especially since shellfish allergies are often associated with iodine-based contrast agents used in cardiac catheterization.
B. Asking about other foods causing a reaction is helpful for understanding the scope of the client's allergies, but it is not the priority in this situation. The primary concern is the shellfish allergy, which may relate to contrast dye.
C. While it is important to attach an allergy wristband, the most critical action is to notify the provider so that alternative contrast agents can be considered if necessary.
D. Notifying the provider of the client's shellfish allergy is the priority action. Shellfish allergies can indicate a potential reaction to iodine-based contrast media, which could lead to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. The provider needs to be aware to take appropriate precautions.

A. Offering reassurance is important for addressing anxiety, but it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The patient's difficulty in clearing thick respiratory secretions should be addressed first to prevent further complications.
B. Applying humidification to the oxygen may help loosen secretions over time, but it does not provide immediate relief. The priority is to clear the airway to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent aspiration.
C. Encouraging the patient to increase oral fluid intake is helpful in the long term for thinning secretions, but it does not address the immediate problem of difficulty in coughing up thick secretions.
D. Suctioning the tracheostomy is the priority action. The patient is unable to clear thick secretions, and suctioning is necessary to remove the obstruction and improve airway patency, which will also alleviate anxiety and improve oxygenation.