Case Study: Mr. J., a 72-year-old patient with a history of…
Questions
Cаse Study: Mr. J., а 72-yeаr-оld patient with a histоry оf chronic systolic heart failure (EF 25%), hypertension, and coronary artery disease, arrives in the emergency department with increasing shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in his legs over the past 48 hours. He reports sleeping upright in a recliner and waking at night “feeling like I’m drowning.” Assessment findings: BP 184/96 mm Hg HR 122 bpm, irregular RR 34/min, using accessory muscles SpO₂ 84% on room air Crackles in all lung fields Jugular venous distention 3+ pitting edema Pink, frothy sputum Weight gain of 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) since his last clinic visit BNP significantly elevated The provider diagnoses acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) on top of chronic HF. Question: Which nursing action is the priority at this time?