A nurse in an urgent care center is caring for a client who is having an acute asthma exacerbation. The nurse notes an SpO2 of 91%, audible wheezing, and use of accessory muscles when breathing. Which of the following classes of medications should the nurse anticipate the provider to prescribe?

A. Salmeterol: Long-acting beta-agonists are used for maintenance control and are not appropriate as the immediate rescue medication for an acute exacerbation. B. Third-generation cephalosporin: Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and are not first-line therapy for acute bronchospasm unless a bacterial infection is suspected. C. Expectorant: Expectorants help loosen mucus and are not the primary treatment for acute bronchospasm or for rapidly improving oxygenation. D. Administer a short-acting beta-adrenergic medication: A short-acting beta-agonist (e.g., albuterol) is the preferred immediate bronchodilator for acute asthma exacerbations to rapidly relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow.