A client in bed is experiencing severe shortness of breath. What position should the nurse place the client in?

Choice A rationale:

Oxygen saturation is not provided in the exhibits, so there is no data available to evaluate if it indicates improvement in the client’s condition. While oxygen saturation is an important indicator of respiratory function and overall oxygenation status, its absence means it cannot be used to assess the client’s progress in this case.

Choice B rationale:

Hemoglobin levels decreased from 14 g/dL on postoperative day 1 to 10.5 g/dL on postoperative day 2. This decline in hemoglobin levels suggests that the client may be experiencing blood loss or anemia, which is not indicative of improvement. Generally, an improvement in the client’s condition would be reflected in stable or increasing hemoglobin levels rather than a decrease.

Choice C rationale:

Mental status is an important indicator of overall recovery and improvement. On postoperative day 2, the client is described as drowsy but alert to voice. This level of responsiveness indicates an improvement in mental status compared to what might be expected immediately post-surgery. A client who is drowsy but still responsive to verbal stimuli is showing signs of regaining consciousness and cognitive function, which is a positive sign of recovery.

Choice D rationale:

Urinary output is not provided in the exhibits, so there is no data available to assess if it indicates improvement. Urinary output is an important measure of kidney function and fluid status, but without specific data, it cannot be used to determine the client’s progress.

Choice E rationale:

The WBC count increased from 7,000/mm³ on day 1 to 8,500/mm³ on day 2, which is within the normal range and indicates a healthy immune response.

The nurse should clarify the prescription for Furosemide due to the client’s 2. Potassium level. The client’s potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. This could indicate hypokalemia, a condition that can cause weakness, fatigue, and heart rhythm problems. Therefore, it would be important for the nurse to clarify the prescription for potassium chloride, which is a medication used to treat or prevent low potassium levels. Please note that this is an assessment based on the information provided

Furosemide, also known as a loop diuretic, works by inhibiting the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter in the ascending thick loop of Henle in the kidneys1. This part of the kidney is responsible for reabsorbing sodium, chloride, and potassium from the urine back into the body1.

When Furosemide inhibits this process, it leads to an increase in the amount of these electrolytes in the urine, which in turn leads to their decreased levels in the body1. This is why Furosemide can cause a decrease in potassium levels in the body, a condition known as hypokalemia23.

It’s important to note that while Furosemide helps in relieving the body of excess fluid, its use may lead to the depletion of certain electrolytes in the body, such as potassium3. Therefore, if you are taking Furosemide, your doctor may need to monitor your potassium levels or have you consume more potassium4.