Physiological AdaptationQuestion 739 of 2368
A client receiving IV fluids develops dyspnea, crackles in the lung bases, and pink, frothy sputum. Which action should the nurse take?
- Lower the head of the bed and increase the IV rate
- Place the client in Trendelenburg on the left side
- Flush the catheter and recheck in one hour
- Raise the head of the bed and apply oxygen
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Correct answer: Raise the head of the bed and apply oxygen
These findings suggest pulmonary edema from fluid overload. The nurse raises the head of the bed, applies oxygen, and notifies the provider.
Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Initiate IV Therapy: Monitoring for Potential Complications. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026