RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 2006 of 2368

A client with a history of heart failure is 1 day postpartum and develops shortness of breath and pink-tinged frothy sputum. What should the nurse do?

  1. Document the finding as normal and recheck at the next routine assessment
  2. Notify the provider promptly because pulmonary edema is suspected
  3. Offer small, bland meals and a warm drink
  4. Apply a cold pack to the chest
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Correct answer: Notify the provider promptly because pulmonary edema is suspected

Pink-tinged frothy sputum signals pulmonary edema, which needs prompt provider notification and treatment such as diuretics.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Postpartum Care: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026