A patient is brought to the emergency department with shortness of breath, a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute, intercostal retractions, and frothy, pink sputum. The nurse caring for this patient will expect to administer which drug?

Choice A reason: Hydrochlorothiazide is for chronic hypertension, not acute pulmonary edema. Furosemide acts rapidly to relieve fluid overload, so this is incorrect for emergency use. Choice B reason: Furosemide is the drug of choice for pulmonary edema, rapidly reducing fluid overload and relieving symptoms like frothy sputum. This is the correct choice. Choice C reason: Mannitol is used for cerebral edema, not pulmonary edema. Furosemide targets acute fluid overload in the lungs, so this is incorrect for this scenario. Choice D reason: Spironolactone is for chronic heart failure, not acute pulmonary edema. Furosemide’s rapid diuresis is needed, so this is incorrect for immediate treatment.