Upon assessment, the nurse notes that a client has dyspnea, crackles i

Upon assessment, the nurse notes that a client has dyspnea, crackles in both lung bases, and tires easily upon exertion. Which nursing diagnosis is best supported by these assessment details?

1. Ineffective Breathing Pattern
2. Anxiety
3. Ineffective Airway Clearance
4. Impaired Gas Exchange

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: There are no data that support Ineffective Breathing Pattern as a diagnosis.
Rationale 2: There are no data that support Anxiety as a diagnosis.
Rationale 3: The data given for this client best support the nursing diagnosis of Ineffective Airway Clearance. The most supportive finding for this diagnosis is crackles in both lung bases.
Rationale 4: There are no data that support Impaired Gas Exchange as a diagnosis.