The nurse is positioning a client with left-sided heart failure in bed.Which sleeping position is most appropriate for this client?
A) Seated in a recliner with 2-3 pillows under feet
B) Lying on the left side with the head of the bed elevated 30°
C) Seated in a recliner with 2-3 pillows under head
D) Lying on either side with the head of the bed elevated 30°

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) The client with left-sided cardiac failure could develop orthopnea. This is a result of the pulmonary congestion and decreased cardiac output. Being in an upright position will ease the work of breathing. Side-lying positions will not help alleviate or prevent the development of orthopnea. Propping the lower legs up while in a sitting position can help decrease dependent edema, but 2-3 pillows are not needed for sleep.
B) The client with left-sided cardiac failure could develop orthopnea. This is a result of the pulmonary congestion and decreased cardiac output. Being in an upright position will ease the work of breathing. Side-lying positions will not help alleviate or prevent the development of orthopnea. Propping the lower legs up while in a sitting position can help decrease dependent edema, but 2-3 pillows are not needed for sleep.
C) The client with left-sided cardiac failure could develop orthopnea. This is a result of the pulmonary congestion and decreased cardiac output. Being in an upright position will ease the work of breathing. Side-lying positions will not help alleviate or prevent the development of orthopnea. Propping the lower legs up while in a sitting position can help decrease dependent edema, but 2-3 pillows are not needed for sleep.
D) The client with left-sided cardiac failure could develop orthopnea. This is a result of the pulmonary congestion and decreased cardiac output. Being in an upright position will ease the work of breathing. Side-lying positions will not help alleviate or prevent the development of orthopnea. Propping the lower legs up while in a sitting position can help decrease dependent edema, but 2-3 pillows are not needed for sleep.

The Nurse Is Positioning a Client with Left-Sided Heart Failure