Question

An ambulatory client reports edema during the day in his feet and ankles that disappears while sleeping at night. What is the most appropriate follow-up question for the nurse to ask?

A) "Have you had a recent heart attack?"
B) "Do you become short of breath during your normal dailyactivities?"
C) "How many pillows do you use at night to sleep comfortably?"
D) "Do you smoke?"

Answer 1

OPtion B. The best follow-up question to ask an ambulatory client with edema that clears overnight is about shortness of breath during daily activities, as this can indicate heart-related causes of the edema. The skeletal muscle pump is also relevant as insufficient physical activity may impair venous return, contributing to edema.

Step-by-step explanation:

An ambulatory client reports edema during the day in his feet and ankles that disappears while sleeping at night. The most appropriate follow-up question for the nurse to ask to understand the cause of the edema is: "Do you become short of breath during your normal daily activities?" This question is aimed at uncovering symptoms that may indicate heart failure or a cardiovascular condition which can contribute to edema.

Edema can be a sign of various medical conditions, such as heart failure, renal failure, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Conditions like heart failure can cause fluid retention leading to edema, and shortness of breath is a common symptom of heart failure. The skeletal muscle pump plays a critical role in facilitating venous return to the heart, and a lack of physical activity could impair this function, contributing to edema. Therefore, the client's occupation and activity levels can provide important clues about the edema's etiology.