Case Study S.R. is a 65-year-old woman who presents tothe emergency department complaining of shortness of breath,productive cough, and swelling in both legs. The patient has a pastmedical history of congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension,and diabetes. Vital signs are T 97.5, P 85, R 16, and BP 160/90.Physical examination reveals +2 edema bilateral lower extremities,heart rate and rhythm regular, and lungs with rhonchi in the bases.The patient is started on a nebulizer treatment, and anelectrocardiogram has been ordered.
1. What subjective information should the nurseobtain?
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2. The nurse is assessing the patient’s pulses. Whichlocations should the nurse check?
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3. The nurse needs to evaluate the adequacy of thecollateral circulation before obtaining an arterial blood gassample. How should the nurse proceed?
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4. What is the most likely cause of this patient’sshortness of breath, productive cough, and swelling in bothlegs?
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