Final answer:
To alleviate distress in clients with heart failure and pulmonary edema, a nurse can administer medications like diuretics, position the patient upright to ease breathing, decrease salt intake, and ensure the patient performs appropriate exercises. Oxygen therapy may also be necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pulmonary edema is a serious symptom of heart failure, where excess fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it difficult for patients to breathe. To help alleviate the distress caused by pulmonary edema, a nurse would employ several strategies. These include interventions to address the underlying cause, such as administering prescribed diuretics and vasodilators, which help to reduce fluid overload and improve cardiac function. Positioning the patient in an upright position can also aid in breathing by reducing the pressure on the chest and lungs.
Furthermore, oxygen therapy may be necessary to ensure adequate oxygen saturation due to compromised gas exchange. Decreasing salt intake is another important aspect of managing fluid retention associated with heart failure. Ensuring the patient adheres to appropriate exercises, and possibly involving physiotherapy, can also help keep blood and lymph flowing, thereby reducing edema.
Ultimately, each patient's needs will be unique and the specific treatments will be tailored to their condition. A comprehensive care plan that includes both medical and lifestyle interventions is critical for effectively managing pulmonary edema and improving patient outcomes.