A patient has intra-arterial (art-line) blood pressure monitoring after a myocardial infarction (MI). Following the angioplasty procedure, the nurse notes that the patient's heart rate has increased from 88 to 110 beats/min, and the blood pressure dropped from 120/82 to 100/60 mm Hg. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Choice A reason: The client with mitral valve stenosis experiencing heart palpitations is at risk of complications such as atrial fibrillation, which can lead to embolic events. While this is a serious condition that needs attention, it is not as immediately life-threatening as the presence of pink frothy sputum in a heart failure patient.

Choice B reason: The client with arterial occlusive disease and intermittent claudication is experiencing pain due to reduced blood flow to the extremities during activity. Although this condition requires management to prevent worsening ischemia, it is not as critical as the presentation of pink frothy sputum in a heart failure patient.

Choice C reason: The client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and an edematous right calf is at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, which is a serious condition. However, the immediate symptoms do not suggest a current life-threatening emergency compared to the client with heart failure and pink frothy sputum.

Choice D reason: The client with heart failure who has pink frothy sputum must be assessed first. Pink frothy sputum is a sign of pulmonary edema, indicating severe left-sided heart failure. This condition is a medical emergency as it impairs gas exchange and can lead to respiratory failure if not promptly treated. Immediate intervention is necessary to stabilize the client's respiratory and cardiac status.

Choice A reason: Obtaining daily weights of the client is the best action to assess the therapeutic effect of furosemide in managing early chronic kidney disease. Daily weights provide valuable information about fluid balance and the effectiveness of the diuretic in reducing fluid retention. Consistent weight monitoring helps determine if the medication is achieving its goal of managing fluid overload, which is a common issue in CKD patients.

Choice B reason: Assessing acid-base balance is important in managing CKD, but it is not the primary action to assess the therapeutic effect of furosemide. While diuretics can influence electrolyte levels and acid-base balance, monitoring fluid status through daily weights is more directly related to evaluating the effectiveness of the medication.

Choice C reason: Assessing the client's serum creatinine is crucial for monitoring kidney function and progression of CKD. However, it is not the primary action to determine the therapeutic effect of furosemide. The focus of furosemide therapy is to manage fluid balance, and daily weights provide a more immediate and relevant assessment of this effect.

Choice D reason: Auscultating heart sounds is part of a comprehensive assessment of a CKD patient, but it is not the best action to evaluate the therapeutic effect of furosemide. Heart sounds can provide information about cardiac function and potential complications, but they do not directly measure the effectiveness of fluid management achieved by the diuretic.