A client with left ventricular failure complains of a hacking cough that worsens at night and further complains that shortness of breath sometimes occurs upon wakening. Which intervention should the nurse include in the bedtime preparation?

Rationale: A. Place the client's feet on pillows while sleeping: Elevating the feet can reduce peripheral edema but does not alleviate nocturnal dyspnea or orthopnea associated with left ventricular failure. This intervention addresses circulation but not respiratory comfort. B. Elevate head of bed to a semi-Fowler's position while asleep: Elevating the head reduces venous return to the heart, decreases pulmonary congestion, and relieves orthopnea. This position helps minimize nighttime coughing and shortness of breath, directly addressing symptoms of left ventricular failure. C. Leave a glass of water at the bedside for use during the night: While hydration is important, water does not alleviate cardiac-related nocturnal symptoms and does not prevent fluid accumulation in the lungs causing cough or dyspnea. D. Give a PRN dose of cough syrup or expectorant: Cough medications may temporarily relieve irritation but do not treat the underlying pulmonary congestion from left ventricular failure. Symptom management should focus on optimizing cardiac function and positioning rather than suppressing the cough.