The practical nurse (PN) is assessing an older client with left-sided heart failure. What intervention is most important for the PN to implement?

A. Auscultate all lung fields: In left-sided heart failure, fluid backs up into the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and crackles. Assessing all lung fields allows the PN to detect early signs of worsening HF, such as pulmonary edema, which can rapidly become life-threatening. B. Measure urinary output: Monitoring urine output is important for assessing kidney perfusion and fluid balance, but pulmonary congestion poses a more immediate risk in left-sided HF than changes in urine output. C. Inspect for sacral edema: Sacral edema is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. While peripheral edema should be monitored, it is less critical than evaluating for pulmonary complications in left-sided HF. D. Check mental acuity: Altered mental status can occur if hypoxia develops from severe pulmonary congestion, but initial assessment focuses on lung function to prevent acute respiratory compromise.