The nurse is assessing a newly admitted client.The client is short of breath, fatigued, lethargic, and has rales bilaterally.Physician orders include oxygen, low-sodium diet, daily weights, and a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)test.Which diagnosis does the nurse suspect?
A)Bilateral pneumonia
B)Congestive heart failure
C)Chronic obstructive lung disease
D)Fluid overload related to polydipsia

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms and orders suggest Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Shortness of breath, fatigue, lethargy, and rales (crackles heard in the lungs) are common in CHF. The B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) test, which is elevated in heart failure, along with orders for oxygen, a low-sodium diet, and daily weights (to monitor for fluid retention), further supports this diagnosis.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Newly Admitted Client