A nurse on a telemetry unit is assisting with the plan of care for a client who has pulmonary edema. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A) Vital signs flow sheet:

While vital signs are essential for assessing the client's health status, the home health agency typically focuses on the client's ongoing care needs rather than retrospective data such as vital sign trends.

B) Nursing admission assessment:

The nursing admission assessment provides valuable information about the client's initial condition upon admission to the acute care facility. However, the home health agency primarily requires information relevant to the client's current health status and ongoing care needs.

C) Current medications:

Providing the home health agency with a list of the client's current medications is essential for continuity of care. It allows the home health agency to ensure that the client receives the appropriate medications and dosages after discharge. This information helps prevent medication errors, adverse drug interactions, and omissions in the client's care plan. Additionally, the home health agency can use the medication list to reconcile medications and update the client's medication regimen as needed.

D) Nurses' notes:

While nurses' notes contain valuable information about the client's care during their stay in the acute care facility, they may not be immediately relevant to the home health agency's provision of care in the community setting. The focus of the home health agency is typically on the client's current status and needs rather than historical documentation.

A) Place the client in a supine position:

Placing a client with pulmonary edema in a supine position can exacerbate symptoms by increasing venous return and worsening fluid accumulation in the lungs. Instead, positioning the client upright or in a semi-Fowler's position is more appropriate to facilitate respiratory mechanics and decrease venous return.

B) Weigh the client every other day:

Daily weight monitoring is crucial for clients with pulmonary edema to assess fluid balance accurately. Weighing the client every other day may not provide timely information on fluid retention and response to treatment. Therefore, daily weight measurement is typically recommended.

C) Encourage the client to ambulate three times per day:

While mobility is essential for overall health, clients with pulmonary edema may experience dyspnea and fatigue, limiting their ability to ambulate. Ambulation should be encouraged but should be tailored to the client's tolerance level and may need to be adjusted based on their respiratory status.

D) Report urine output less than 30 mL/hr:

Monitoring urine output is vital in clients with pulmonary edema to assess kidney perfusion and fluid balance. A urine output of less than 30 mL/hr may indicate decreased renal perfusion and impaired fluid clearance, which can exacerbate pulmonary congestion. Therefore, it is crucial to report such findings promptly for further evaluation and intervention.