A client has esophageal cancer. Which intervention by the nurse takes priority?

A. Allowing grieving: Important, but not the priority. Physical safety takes precedence. B. Preventing aspiration: Aspiration is a life-threatening risk in esophageal cancer due to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). This is the highest priority. C. Managing pain relief: Pain management is important, but airway and aspiration prevention come first. D. Maintaining nutritional intake: Nutrition is critical but secondary to airway protection.