Question

A client arrives at the ED with an exacerbation of left-sided heart failure and reports shortness of breath. Which is the priority nursing intervention?

1) Administer angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
2) Administer diuretics
3) Assess oxygen saturation
4) Administer angiotensin II receptor blockers

Answer 1

The priority nursing intervention for a client with exacerbation of left-sided heart failure and shortness of breath is to assess oxygen saturation to determine respiratory status and need for immediate oxygen supplementation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client arrives in the emergency department with an exacerbation of left-sided heart failure reporting shortness of breath, the priority nursing intervention is to assess oxygen saturation. This initial assessment provides immediate information about the patient's respiratory status and the severity of hypoxemia, which is critical for determining the next steps in intervention. Providing oxygen supplementation based on the measured oxygen saturation can offer rapid relief from dyspnea and prevent further deterioration. Other interventions such as administering angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, or diuretics are important, but they follow only after the patient's respiratory status has been stabilized and assessed.