A nurse on a step-down unit is admitting a client. Exhibits Drag words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the follow sentence. The client is at risk for developing dropdown and dropdown.

Rationale for Correct Choices: Decreased cardiac output: The client is post–myocardial infarction and experiences chest pain with minimal exertion, tachycardia (HR 112/min), and signs of anxiety and fear. These findings suggest that myocardial function may be compromised. Decreased cardiac output is a significant risk in post-MI clients due to potential for reinfarction, ischemia, or left ventricular dysfunction. Respiratory failure: The client has COPD, an elevated respiratory rate (32/min), and oxygen saturation of 87% on room air, which indicates significant hypoxemia. The productive cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath increase the risk for decompensation into respiratory failure without prompt oxygen therapy and pulmonary support. Rationale for Incorrect Choices: Pancytopenia: This condition involves a reduction in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. There is no evidence of bone marrow suppression, recent chemotherapy, or hematologic disorder in this client’s history. Neurogenic shock: Neurogenic shock results from spinal cord injury or disruption of sympathetic nervous system control. The client has no evidence of trauma or spinal pathology, and the elevated heart rate contradicts the expected bradycardia of neurogenic shock. Hepatic encephalopathy: This is caused by liver dysfunction, typically in clients with advanced liver disease. There are no signs of altered mental status, liver disease, or elevated ammonia levels in this case.