What is the nurse's priority action for a client with acute pulmonary edema and severe dyspnea?

Question

Accepted Answer

A. place the client upright and apply oxygen while preparing rapid treatment — Sitting upright reduces venous return and improves ventilation. Oxygen and rapid treatment are priorities in pulmonary edema.

Answer

B. encourage the client to drink water to thin secretions

Answer

C. delay intervention until a chest x-ray is completed

Answer

D. place the client in Trendelenburg position