Question

A client hospitalized with pleural effusion has a history of heart failure. To reduce cardiac workload, which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

Answer 1

To reduce the cardiac workload in a client with pleural effusion and heart failure, the nurse should administer diuretics, monitor oxygenation, ensure a comfortable position, and assess cardiovascular status regularly.

Step-by-step explanation:

To reduce the cardiac workload in a client hospitalized with pleural effusion who has a history of heart failure, a nurse should prioritize interventions that decrease the volume of work the heart has to perform. Fluid management is critical in such cases, as managing fluid volume can help alleviate the pressure in the pulmonary capillaries and reduce the risk of further edema. Diuretics can be prescribed to remove excess fluid and reduce blood volume, thus decreasing the workload on the heart. Additionally, the nurse should monitor the client's oxygenation status and provide supplemental oxygen if needed. Ensuring the client is in a comfortable position, such as sitting up to ease breathing, is also important. It's vital to regularly assess the client's cardiovascular status, including heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, and extremity edema, to gauge the effectiveness of the treatment and make adjustments as necessary.