A nurse is caring for a client who has acute pulmonary edema. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention?

Choice A reason: Administering an IV diuretic is important to reduce fluid overload, but it is not the immediate priority. Diuretics take time to act, and the client’s oxygenation must be stabilized first. Choice B reason: Requesting an analysis of ABGs provides valuable diagnostic information, but it is not the priority intervention. ABG analysis does not directly improve oxygenation or relieve symptoms in the acute phase. Choice C reason: Initiating oxygen via face mask is the priority because pulmonary edema impairs gas exchange, leading to hypoxemia. Immediate oxygen administration improves oxygen saturation and prevents tissue hypoxia while other interventions are prepared. Choice D reason: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter may be necessary for monitoring urine output when diuretics are administered, but it is not urgent compared to restoring oxygenation.