Nokea
A client in the emergency department is being cared for by a nurse and has cardiogenic pulmonary edema. The client's assessment findings include anxiousness, dyspnea at rest, crackles, blood pressure 110/79 mm Hg, and apical heart rate 112/min. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide the client with supplemental oxygen at 5 L/min via facemask. In cardiogenic pulmonary edema, the priority intervention is to improve oxygenation. Supplemental oxygen helps increase oxygen levels and alleviate respiratory distress, reducing the workload on the heart. This intervention addresses the client's dyspnea and anxiousness by improving oxygen delivery.
Choice B is incorrect as placing the client in high-Fowler's position with legs in a dependent position can help with breathing but does not address the immediate need for oxygenation.
Choice C is incorrect as sublingual nitroglycerin is typically used for angina and not the priority intervention for cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
Choice D is incorrect as morphine sulfate IV may be indicated for pain relief and anxiety, but it is not the priority intervention to address the client's oxygenation needs in cardiogenic pulmonary edema.