Question

Why does the nurse document the precise location of crackles auscultated in the lungs of a patient with heart failure?

a. Crackles will eventually change to wheezes as the pulmonary edema worsens.
b. The level of the fluid spreads laterally as the pulmonary edema worsens.
c. The level of the fluid ascends as the pulmonary edema worsens.
d. Crackles will eventually diminish as the pulmonary edema worsens.

Answer 1

The nurse documents the precise location of crackles auscultated in the lungs of a patient with heart failure because it provides important information about the severity and progression of pulmonary edema.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse documents the precise location of crackles auscultated in the lungs of a patient with heart failure because it can provide important information about the severity and progression of pulmonary edema. In heart failure, the left side of the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood into the systemic circulation, causing fluid to back up in the pulmonary capillaries. As the pulmonary edema worsens, the level of the fluid ascends or spreads laterally in the lungs, depending on the gravity and other factors. By documenting the precise location, the nurse can track changes in the distribution of the fluids and assess the effectiveness of treatment. An accurate and detailed documentation of crackles can also help other healthcare providers to monitor the patient's condition and make appropriate treatment decisions.