A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 L/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

This statement indicates that the client has orthopnea, which is a sign of worsening heart failure and fluid overload. The nurse should intervene by assessing the client’s vital signs, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, and edema, and notifying the provider for possible diuretic adjustment.

Choice A is wrong because “I’m urinating in larger amounts.” is an expected outcome of taking furosemide, which is a loop diuretic that increases urine output and reduces fluid retention.

Choice C is wrong because “I suck on hard candy for my dry mouth.” is a harmless way to cope with the side effect of dry mouth caused by furosemide.

Choice D is wrong because “I’ve lost 3 pounds in the last week.” is a positive sign that the client is losing excess fluid and improving their heart failure

condition. A weight loss of 2 to 4 pounds per week is acceptable for clients taking diuretics.

Normal ranges for heart failure clients are:

• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg
• Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute
• Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute
• Oxygen saturation: greater than 95%
• Weight: stable or decreasing within 2 to 4 pounds per week

Collaborate with the client to develop a daily physical exercise routine. This intervention can help reduce aggression and impulsivity in schizophrenia by providing an outlet for frustration, enhancing self-esteem, and improving mood. Physical exercise can also improve physical health and reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome associated with antipsychotic medications.

Choice A is wrong because warning the client that the staff will use seclusion as a consequence if there are repeated reports of hallucination is punitive and threatening. This can increase the client’s anxiety, paranoia, and hostility, and may worsen the psychotic symptoms. Seclusion should only be used as a last resort when the client poses a serious danger to self or others, and not as a punishment or coercion.

Choice B is wrong because keeping the facility’s security personnel constantly visible to the client throughout treatment is intimidating and stigmatizing. This can also increase the client’s fear, distrust, and resentment, and may trigger aggressive behavior. Security personnel should only be involved when there is an imminent risk of violence, and not as a routine measure.

Choice D is wrong because agreeing that the hallucinations are real if the client exhibits aggressive behavior toward other clients is reinforcing the delusional belief and rewarding the aggression. This can also confuse the client and undermine the therapeutic relationship.

The nurse should acknowledge the client’s experience of hallucinations, but not endorse them as reality. The nurse should also set clear limits on aggressive behavior and use de-escalation techniques to calm the client.