Question

The nurse auscultates bibasilar inspiratory crackles in a newly admitted 68 year-old client with systolic heart failure and an ejection fraction of 30. What is the most likely symptom the client is experiencing?

1) Fatigue
2) Nail clubbing
3) Peripheral edema
4) Chest pain

Answer 1

The most likely symptom the client is experiencing is difficulty breathing due to the presence of bibasilar inspiratory crackles, suggesting pulmonary edema.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely symptom the client is experiencing is difficulty breathing. The presence of bibasilar inspiratory crackles in a client with systolic heart failure and a low ejection fraction suggests pulmonary edema, which is the excess fluid in the air sacs of the lungs. This can lead to difficulty breathing and compromise gas exchange in the lungs.