Which subjective assessment data supports the nurse's conclusion that a client is experiencing orthopnea?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "It doesn't take much activity before I'm out of breath.": This statement describes exertional dyspnea, which is shortness of breath with physical activity. It is often seen in heart or lung conditions but does not point to orthopnea, which occurs when lying flat.B. "I sleep on three pillows at night.": Using multiple pillows to sleep is a compensatory behavior for orthopnea. Orthopnea is defined as difficulty breathing while lying flat, often related to heart failure and pulmonary congestion, and is relieved by elevating the head.C. "I cough a lot at night and it keeps me up half the night.": Nocturnal coughing may indicate asthma, GERD, or postnasal drip. While it disrupts sleep, it does not clearly signify orthopnea, which is specifically related to positional shortness of breath.D. "I have multiple attacks of wheezing almost daily.": Frequent wheezing attacks are more consistent with conditions like asthma or COPD. This symptom does not suggest orthopnea, which involves positional breathing difficulty, not episodic wheezing.