A nurse at an urgent care clinic is contributing to the plan of care for a client following a near drowning while attempting to walk across a frozen pond. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend?

A. Assist the client to perform range-of-motion exercises: Early range-of-motion exercises are not a priority immediately after near drowning, especially if the client may be hypothermic or unstable. Focus should be on stabilizing vital signs and preventing further complications first. B. Replace wet clothing with warmed blankets: Removing wet clothing and providing external warming is critical to prevent hypothermia, which is a common and potentially life-threatening complication following immersion in cold water. This intervention helps stabilize body temperature and supports overall recovery. C. Administer an antihypertensive medication: There is no indication to lower blood pressure in the acute management of near drowning unless the client is hypertensive and hemodynamically stable. Routine antihypertensive use is not part of initial care for immersion injuries. D. Use an axillary thermometer to monitor the client's temperature: Axillary temperature measurements are less accurate in hypothermic clients and may underestimate core temperature. Core temperature assessment using rectal or esophageal methods is preferred for precise monitoring and management of hypothermia.