A nurse is performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) on a client who is experiencing chest pain. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A reason : Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that can help reduce stress and anxiety, but it does not directly address the physiological issues of dehydration and hypotension. While it may be beneficial as a complementary therapy, it is not the primary intervention for a patient suffering from these conditions.

Choice B reason : Elevating the head of the bed is generally recommended for patients who have difficulty breathing or to prevent aspiration, but it is not the standard care for hypotension. In fact, for a hypotensive patient, elevating the legs might be more beneficial to promote venous return to the heart⁹[^20^].

Choice C reason : Increasing fluid intake is the most direct and effective way to treat dehydration. When a patient is hypotensive, it often indicates a low blood volume, which can be improved by increasing fluid intake. This can be done orally if the patient is conscious and able to drink, or intravenously if they are not. The normal range for blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, and maintaining adequate hydration helps to ensure blood pressure stays within this range⁸.

Choice D reason : The Valsalva maneuver is a technique used to potentially correct certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, particularly supraventricular tachycardia, and not for treating hypotension or dehydration. It involves increasing intrathoracic pressure by exhaling forcefully with a closed airway, which can have various effects on the cardiovascular system. However, it is not an appropriate intervention for a dehydrated, hypotensive patient⁹[^10^].

Choice A reason : The triglyceride level of 130 mg/dL is within the normal range, which is less than 150 mg/dL for adults. Therefore, this result does not place the client at risk for peripheral arterial disease.

Choice B reason : An HDL level of 84 mg/dL is considered good as it is higher than the minimum recommended level of 40 mg/dL for males and 50 mg/dL for females. Higher levels of HDL are protective against heart disease.

Choice C reason : A blood glucose level of 92 mg/dL is within the normal fasting range of 70 to 99 mg/dL. This indicates that the client does not have diabetes, which is a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease.

Choice D reason : An LDL level of 172 mg/dL is considered high since the optimal level for LDL is less than 100 mg/dL. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk for peripheral arterial disease.