A client is hospitalized with heart failure (HF). Which intervention should the nurse implement to improve ventilation and reduce venous return?

A. Administer oxygen per nasal cannula: Oxygen supplementation helps improve oxygenation in clients with heart failure but does not directly reduce venous return or improve mechanical ventilation by altering preload. While beneficial for hypoxemia, it does not address the hemodynamic goal of reducing venous congestion. B. Place the client in high Fowler position: Elevating the head of the bed to a high Fowler position (60–90 degrees) promotes lung expansion, enhances diaphragmatic excursion, and improves ventilation. Additionally, it reduces venous return (preload) by allowing gravity to decrease venous pressure in the lower extremities, helping alleviate pulmonary congestion and dyspnea commonly seen in HF exacerbations. C. Perform passive range of motion exercises: Passive range of motion exercises maintain joint mobility and prevent contractures but do not significantly impact venous return or pulmonary function. While important for overall mobility, they do not directly relieve pulmonary congestion in heart failure. D. Increase the client's activity level: Increasing activity in a client with heart failure may worsen dyspnea, fatigue, and pulmonary congestion. Activity should be balanced with the client’s tolerance and guided by hemodynamic status. It does not reduce venous return or improve ventilation in the acute setting.