Question

What is the most appropriate position for a patient in pulmonary edema with a blood pressure of 194/92?

1. Sitting upright with legs dependent
2. Dorsal recumbent
3. Head of the bed elevated 60 degrees
4. Torso flat, feet elevated

Answer 1

The most appropriate position for a patient with pulmonary edema and a blood pressure of 194/92 is sitting upright with legs dependent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate position for a patient with pulmonary edema and a blood pressure of 194/92 is sitting upright with legs dependent.

In pulmonary edema resulting from heart failure, the increase in hydrostatic pressure within the pulmonary capillaries causes fluid to be pushed out of them and into the lung tissues. By sitting upright with legs dependent, the patient can facilitate the drainage of fluid from the lungs, reducing symptoms and improving breathing.

This position helps decrease the workload of the heart and allows for better oxygenation of the blood, easing the respiratory distress caused by pulmonary edema.