The nurse in a medical unit is caring for a client with heart failure. The client suddenly develops extreme dyspnea, tachycardia, and lung crackles, and the nurse suspects pulmonary edema. The nurse immediately asks another nurse to contact the healthcare provider and prepares to implement which priority interventions? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason :While consulting with the healthcare provider is important, immediate action is necessary to prevent harm. Waiting for a prescription may delay intervention.

Choice B reason : When a patient frequently attempts to remove their intravenous (IV) catheter, it's essential to address the behavior promptly to prevent potential complications such as catheter dislodgement, infection, or injury. The most appropriate initial response is to cover the catheter to reduce the patient's awareness and access, thereby decreasing the likelihood of tampering.

Choice C reason : Providing more stimulation could be counterproductive if the client is already agitated or confused. The nurse should assess the client's needs and environment to determine the appropriate level of stimulation.

Choice D reason : Waiting without taking action is not advisable as the client may harm themselves by removing the IV catheter. Immediate intervention is required to ensure the client's safety.

Choice A reason : Acting as if the hallucination is real can validate the client's false perceptions and potentially reinforce the hallucination. It is important to maintain a sense of reality and not to enter into the client's hallucinatory experience.

Choice B reason : Instructing the client to argue with the voices is not therapeutic. It can increase the client's agitation and anxiety, and it does not help in distinguishing reality from hallucinations.

Choice C reason : While it is important to understand the client's experience, asking direct questions about the hallucination may lead the client to focus more on the hallucination, which can reinforce its presence. The nurse should focus on reality-based topics.

Choice D reason : This is the correct action. The nurse should gently and firmly reassure the client that the hallucination is not real and is a symptom of their illness. This helps to orient the client to reality and can reduce the distress associated with hallucinations.