Which statement, made by the client with coronary artery disease, alerts the nurse that the client may be experiencing difficulty adapting to the illness?

Choice A reason: This is not the best answer. Respiratory rate and depth can indicate the client's oxygenation and ventilation, but not necessarily their fluid status. The client may have normal or increased respiratory rate and depth due to dehydration, acidosis, or anxiety, but this does not reflect their fluid volume or distribution. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate and depth, but also assess other parameters of fluid status.

Choice B reason: This is not the best answer. Rectal temperature can indicate the client's core body temperature, but not necessarily their fluid status. The client may have normal or elevated rectal temperature due to infection, inflammation, or dehydration, but this does not reflect their fluid volume or distribution. The nurse should monitor the client's rectal temperature, but also assess other parameters of fluid status.

Choice C reason: This is the best answer. Blood pressure lying, sitting and standing can indicate the client's fluid status and vascular tone. The client may have low blood pressure due to fluid loss, hypovolemia, or vasodilation, and this can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions. The nurse should measure the client's blood pressure in different positions and observe for signs of orthostatic hypotension, such as dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision.

Choice D reason: This is not the best answer. Pulse oximetry reading at rest can indicate the client's oxygen saturation, but not necessarily their fluid status. The client may have normal or decreased pulse oximetry reading due to hypoxia, anemia, or poor peripheral perfusion, but this does not reflect their fluid volume or distribution. The nurse should monitor the client's pulse oximetry reading, but also assess other parameters of fluid status.

Choice A reason: Performing daily weights is the best method to evaluate the client's response to furosemide, a drug that reduces fluid retention and swelling by increasing the urine output. ¹ Daily weights can help monitor the changes in the client's fluid status and the effectiveness of the drug. The nurse should weigh the client at the same time each day, using the same scale and clothing.

Choice B reason: Taking the blood pressure is not the best method to evaluate the client's response to furosemide. Furosemide can also lower the blood pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. ¹ However, blood pressure can be influenced by many other factors, such as heart rate, stress, or medications. Blood pressure is not a reliable indicator of the client's fluid status or the effectiveness of the drug.

Choice C reason: Auscultating breath sounds is not the best method to evaluate the client's response to furosemide. Furosemide can help improve the breath sounds by reducing the fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can cause shortness of breath or crackles. ¹ However, breath sounds can also be affected by other factors, such as lung infections, asthma, or allergies. Breath sounds are not a reliable indicator of the client's fluid status or the effectiveness of the drug.

Choice D reason: Measuring urinary output is not the best method to evaluate the client's response to furosemide. Furosemide can increase the urinary output by stimulating the kidneys to excrete more water and electrolytes. ¹ However, urinary output can also vary depending on the fluid intake, kidney function, or other medications. Urinary output is not a reliable indicator of the client's fluid status or the effectiveness of the drug.