A nurse admits a patient who is experiencing an exacerbation of heart failure. Drag and drop in order of priority actions.

Choice A reason: Albumin is a plasma expander and is typically used to restore blood volume in cases of shock, burns, or trauma. However, it is not specifically indicated for managing spinal shock. Albumin helps in maintaining osmotic pressure and fluid balance but does not directly address the underlying pathophysiology of spinal shock.

Choice B reason: Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used to manage hypertensive crises. It works by rapidly reducing blood pressure through vasodilation. In the context of spinal shock, where hypotension is a concern, administering nitroprusside would be inappropriate as it could exacerbate the hypotensive state and worsen the patient's condition.

Choice C reason: Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, is used to reduce inflammation and edema around the spinal cord following an injury. The anti-inflammatory properties of dexamethasone help to mitigate secondary damage caused by swelling and pressure on the spinal cord tissue. It is commonly administered in cases of acute spinal cord injuries to improve neurological outcomes and manage symptoms of spinal shock.

Choice D reason: Furosemide is a diuretic used to manage fluid overload and edema. It works by increasing urine output, which can help reduce fluid retention in various conditions, such as heart failure and renal impairment. However, it is not specifically indicated for the management of spinal shock and does not address the underlying causes of spinal cord injury-related inflammation and edema.

Choice A reason: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a procedure used to open narrowed coronary arteries, usually with a balloon or stent. It is not a diagnostic test for assessing heart valves but rather a treatment for coronary artery disease.

Choice B reason: Echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging test that uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structures, including the heart valves. It allows for the assessment of valve function, structure, and blood flow, making it an essential tool for diagnosing valvular heart disease.

Choice C reason: Exercise testing, also known as a stress test, evaluates the heart's response to physical activity. While it can provide information on how well the heart handles increased workload and detect issues like ischemia, it is not specifically used for assessing heart valves.

Choice D reason: Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) records the electrical activity of the heart and is used to detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac conditions. However, it does not provide detailed information about the heart valves' structure or function.