A client with acute pulmonary edema is gasping for air and coughing pink frothy sputum. Which nursing action is the priority?

Question

Accepted Answer

A. Place the client upright and apply oxygen — Pink frothy sputum and severe dyspnea suggest acute pulmonary edema. The immediate priority is to improve oxygenation by sitting the client upright and applying oxygen while obtaining rapid assistance.

Answer

B. Encourage oral fluids to thin secretions

Answer

C. Place the client in Trendelenburg position

Answer

D. Delay intervention until a chest x-ray is completed