A nurse is collecting data from a client who has asthma with exacerbation. The client has diminished breath sounds and is using accessory muscles with respirations. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Administer a short-acting bronchodilator: Diminished breath sounds and use of accessory muscles indicate severe airway obstruction and impending respiratory compromise. Administering a short-acting bronchodilator, such as albuterol, provides rapid relief by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, improving airflow, and preventing further hypoxemia. B. Reinforce the importance of using a peak flow meter: While peak flow monitoring is useful for long-term asthma management and early detection of exacerbations, it does not address acute airway obstruction. Education about peak flow is important but not the first action in a potentially life-threatening exacerbation. C. Encourage the client to take slow, deep breaths: Breathing techniques may support ventilation in mild exacerbations, but they cannot relieve severe bronchospasm or restore adequate airflow in a client with diminished breath sounds. This intervention is secondary to urgent pharmacologic management. D. Request a prescription for ABGs: Arterial blood gas measurement helps assess oxygenation and acid-base status, but it does not immediately reverse airway obstruction. While ABGs may be indicated for evaluation, the first priority is to administer a bronchodilator to relieve life-threatening bronchospasm.