How should the degree of elevation for the head of the bed be in patients experiencing orthopnea?

How should the degree of elevation for the head of the bed be in patients experiencing orthopnea?

• A. No elevation required
• B. Elevation greater than 45 degrees
• C. Elevation lower than 30 degrees
• D. Elevation sufficient for comfortable breathing

Answer: (D)

Patients experiencing orthopnea benefit from having their head of the bed elevated to a level that allows for comfortable breathing. This elevation helps decrease venous return to the heart, thus alleviating the symptoms of dyspnea that occur when lying flat. The ideal position typically varies for each patient; therefore, the emphasis is on finding a height of elevation that maximizes the individual's comfort while improving respiratory function. By allowing the patient to achieve a position that promotes ease of breathing, you can effectively manage feelings of breathlessness associated with heart failure and cardiopulmonary conditions. Other answers suggest specific degrees of elevation that may be either insufficient or excessive for individual comfort, which may not universally apply to all patients. The goal is always to tailor the position based on the patient's subjective experience of comfort and respiratory needs.

Patients experiencing orthopnea benefit from having their head of the bed elevated to a level that allows for comfortable breathing. This elevation helps decrease venous return to the heart, thus alleviating the symptoms of dyspnea that occur when lying flat. The ideal position typically varies for each patient; therefore, the emphasis is on finding a height of elevation that maximizes the individual's comfort while improving respiratory function. By allowing the patient to achieve a position that promotes ease of breathing, you can effectively manage feelings of breathlessness associated with heart failure and cardiopulmonary conditions.

Other answers suggest specific degrees of elevation that may be either insufficient or excessive for individual comfort, which may not universally apply to all patients. The goal is always to tailor the position based on the patient's subjective experience of comfort and respiratory needs.