A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a child who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer first?

A. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control of asthma. It is not effective in acute situations where rapid bronchodilation is needed. B. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for daily maintenance therapy and prevention of asthma symptoms, not for acute attacks. C. Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides rapid bronchodilation. It is the first-line medication during an acute asthma attack to relieve bronchospasm quickly. D. Fluticasone is also an inhaled corticosteroid, used for long-term asthma control, and is not appropriate as the first-line treatment in an emergency asthma situation.