The 50-year-old previously healthy patient complains of shortness of breath, especially on exertion or when laying down to sleep. She takes over-the-counter allergy medicine for seasonal allergies and melatonin to help her sleep sometimes. Her vital signs are heart rate of 64 bpm, respirations 22, oxygen saturation 99%, and blood pressure 114/68 mmHg. Her assessment is notable for crackles over the bilateral lung bases and a moderate diastolic apical murmur. Her electrocardiogram is normal. Her echocardiogram shows normal function of the left ventricle and severe stenosis of the mitral valve. The nurse provides which information to the patient?  

While reviewing the patient’s chart in preparation for admission to the intensive care unit, the nurse learns the patient is exhibiting ataxic breathing. Which pattern does the nurse expect to observe in the patient?

The patient presents to the emergency department complaining of severe gastrointestinal distress after meals that has persisted for 36 hours. He reports that these symptoms have occurred off and on for a few years now, but he is seeking care now because they are interrupting his ability to sleep. Which additional assessment indicates the poorest prognosis for this patient?