A patient presents with sudden shortness of breath, frothy sputum, and severe anxiety. Which condition is most likely occurring?

A. Pneumonia: Pneumonia can cause shortness of breath and anxiety but usually presents with fever, productive cough, and more gradual onset rather than sudden frothy sputum. B. Cardiac dysrhythmia: Dysrhythmias can cause sudden dyspnea and anxiety but typically do not produce frothy sputum as a hallmark feature. C. Pulmonary edema: Sudden dyspnea with frothy (often pink, frothy) sputum and severe anxiety are classic for acute pulmonary edema (often cardiogenic) - this is the most likely condition. D. Asthma attack: Asthma produces sudden dyspnea and anxiety and wheeze, but frothy sputum is not a typical feature of asthma.