A client states,"At night,I usually need to sleep propped up on two pillows in the chair,but now it seems I need three pillows." What is the nurse's best response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Orthopnea is the sensation of dyspnea or breathlessness in the supine position.Clients feel that they cannot catch their breath in the supine position and must rest or sleep in a semi-sitting position by placing pillows behind their backs or by using a reclining chair.The degree of breathlessness can be measured roughly by the number of pillows needed to make the client less dyspneic (e.g.,one-pillow orthopnea,two-pillow orthopnea).With a client who has chronic respiratory problems,a minor increase in dyspnea may indicate a severe respiratory problem.Respiratory failure is a high risk.This client needs to stay in the hospital to be evaluated more completely.The client should not be instructed to try to lie flat,or to take a sleeping pill.

A Client States,"At Night,I Usually Need to Sleep Propped Up