HESI Health Assessment Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

In a situation where a patient is experiencing shortness of breath during sleep, the priority action for the nurse is to assess for additional signs of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This condition is characterized by sudden episodes of breathlessness that typically occur when a person is lying down, often prompting them to sit up or stand for relief. The presence of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea can indicate underlying heart failure or other cardiopulmonary issues, making it critical for the nurse to gather more information on the severity and nature of the patient's symptoms.

Continued assessment beyond the initial shortness of breath is essential to determine if there are other contributing factors or signs indicating an exacerbation of an underlying condition. Consequently, assessing additional symptoms can guide appropriate interventions and care.

Other actions, such as documenting the patient's allergies or instructing the patient to sleep on their right side, may have their place in nursing practice but do not address the immediate concern of the patient's respiratory distress. Meanwhile, reassuring the patient that their experience is typical could lead to a delay in identifying a potentially serious health issue, further complicating the patient's condition. Thus, timely and thorough assessment remains paramount in managing the patient's care effectively.