A nurse in an urgent care center is caring for a client who is having an acute asthma exacerbation. The client has already been placed on high-flow oxygen. Which of the following actions is the nurse's highest priority?

A. Encouraging the client to talk may increase oxygen demand and fatigue; it is not the highest priority. B. Administering a short-acting beta-adrenergic medication (such as albuterol) is the highest priority because it rapidly relieves bronchospasm, improves airflow, and addresses the underlying cause of the acute asthma exacerbation. C. Providing rest is important but secondary; the airway obstruction must be treated first. D. Reviewing relaxation techniques may help reduce anxiety but does not immediately relieve bronchospasm and is not the priority intervention.