A nurse admits a client who is experiencing an exacerbation of heart failure. What actions would the nurse take first?

A. Assess the client's respiratory status: Respiratory assessment is the priority in a client experiencing heart failure exacerbation because fluid overload can lead to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. Tachypnea, dyspnea, and hypoxemia can rapidly progress to respiratory distress or failure, making airway and oxygenation the most immediate concern. B. Draw blood to assess the client's serum electrolytes: Electrolyte assessment is important, especially before administering diuretics, but it is not the first action. Delaying respiratory assessment and interventions could result in hypoxemia or acute pulmonary edema. C. Ask the client about current medications: Medication history is necessary to avoid interactions and guide therapy, but it does not address the urgent risk of impaired oxygenation or pulmonary compromise. This step follows initial assessment and stabilization. D. Administer intravenous furosemide: IV diuretics are key in treating fluid overload, but they should be given after assessing the client’s respiratory and hemodynamic status to ensure safe administration and monitor for adverse effects. Immediate intervention without assessment could mask worsening respiratory compromise.