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
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic often used in the treatment of pulmonary edema to help remove excess fluid from the body. While it’s important to monitor the patient’s fluid and electrolyte balance, it’s not typically necessary to question this medication.
Choice B rationale
Captopril (Capoten) is an ACE inhibitor used to treat conditions like heart failure and high blood pressure. It can be beneficial in managing pulmonary edema by reducing the workload on the heart. It’s not typically necessary to question this medication.
Choice C rationale
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a medication used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It’s important to question this medication before administration because digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure the patient’s digoxin levels are within the therapeutic range before administering more of the medication.
Choice D rationale
Carvedilol (Coreg) is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. While it’s important to monitor the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate, it’s not typically necessary to question this medication.

Choice A rationale
Intermittent claudication and pallor are not typically symptoms of a myocardial infarction. Intermittent claudication, or pain in the legs with exercise, is more commonly associated with peripheral artery disease. Pallor, or paleness, can occur with various conditions but is not a specific sign of myocardial infarction3.
Choice B rationale
Jugular vein distention and dependent edema are not typically symptoms of a myocardial infarction. These signs are more commonly associated with heart failure3.
Choice C rationale
Mid-epigastric pain and heartburn can sometimes be symptoms of a myocardial infarction, particularly in women. However, these symptoms can also occur with many other conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders3.
Choice D rationale
Sweating and cool, clammy skin are common symptoms of a myocardial infarction. These symptoms occur due to the body’s stress response to the decreased blood flow to the heart muscle3.