A client exhibits tachycardia, severe dyspnea, diaphoresis, crackles, and profuse, frothy pink sputum. What position should the nurse place the client in?

Choice A rationale
Low urine osmolarity and creatinine clearance are not the primary indicators of inadequate renal perfusion in a patient being stabilized after an acute coronary syndrome. These measures reflect the concentration of the urine and the kidney’s ability to filter waste from the blood, respectively. While they can be affected by renal perfusion, they are not the most direct or reliable indicators.
Choice B rationale
A decreasing serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is not typically associated with inadequate renal perfusion. In fact, a high BUN level may indicate that the kidneys aren’t working properly. However, BUN levels can be influenced by many factors, including protein intake and liver function, so they are not the most reliable indicator of renal perfusion.
Choice C rationale
A urine output of less than 30 mL/hr is a common sign of inadequate renal perfusion. The kidneys need adequate blood flow to filter waste products from the blood and produce urine. If renal perfusion is inadequate, urine output can decrease.
Choice D rationale
A urine-specific gravity of less than 1.010 is not typically associated with inadequate renal perfusion. Specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. It can be influenced by hydration status and certain kidney disorders, but it is not a direct measure of renal perfusion.

Choice A rationale
Anxiety is a common response to the stress of hospitalization and illness, especially in the context of a serious condition like ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
However, while anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms and should be addressed, it is not the primary problem in this scenario.
Choice B rationale
Acute pain is a common symptom of STEMI, as the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. However, the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate readings suggest a more immediate concern related to the cardiovascular system.
Choice C rationale
Decreased cardiac output is likely the priority problem for this patient. The patient’s low blood pressure (86/40 mm Hg) and high heart rate (132 beats/min) suggest that the heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs, which is a direct consequence of the STEMI1. This can lead to organ failure and other serious complications if not addressed promptly.
Choice D rationale
Stress management is an important aspect of long-term care for patients with heart disease, as chronic stress can contribute to further heart damage. However, in the acute phase of a STEMI, the focus is on stabilizing the patient’s condition and preventing complications.