The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving IV furosemide (Lasix) and morphine for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with severe orthopnea. When evaluating the patient response to the medications, the best indicator that the treatment has been effective is

Question

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Because the patient's major clinical manifestation of ADHF is orthopnea (caused by the presence of fluid in the alveoli), the best indicator that the medications are effective is a decrease in dyspnea with the head of the bed at 30 degrees. The other assessment data also may indicate that diuresis or improvement in cardiac output has occurred but are not as specific to evaluating this patient's response.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Receiving