A nurse is interviewing a 58-year-old client who reports fatigue and occasional shortness of breath during routine activities. When asked about the onset of symptoms, the client states, 'I don't know, they just came on gradually.' The nurse continues the interview and notes the client has a 30-pack-year smoking history and works as a coal miner. Which follow-up question best demonstrates diagnostic reasoning to differentiate a cardiac from a pulmonary cause of the client's dyspnea?
- "Does your shortness of breath occur when you lie flat, and do you need extra pillows to sleep comfortably?"
- "Have you ever been told your cholesterol or blood pressure is elevated?"
- "On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate the severity of your fatigue on most days?"
- "Do you have any family members who have had heart attacks or lung disease?"