For a patient with asthma experiencing an acute attack, which intervention should the nurse prioritize to ensure open airways?

Acute asthma exacerbation is characterized by bronchial smooth muscle constriction, airway edema, mucus plugging, and increased airway resistance, leading to expiratory airflow limitation, wheezing, hypoxemia, and potential respiratory failure if untreated. Rationale: A. Providing supplemental oxygen improves oxygen saturation but does not relieve bronchoconstriction. It is supportive therapy only. This intervention does not directly reverse airway narrowing or restore airflow in acute asthma. B. Short-acting beta-agonists such as albuterol are first-line rescue medications that rapidly stimulate beta-2 receptors, causing bronchodilation. They quickly reduce airway resistance and improve ventilation. This directly addresses acute bronchospasm and restores airway patency. C. Long-acting beta-agonists are used for maintenance therapy and have delayed onset of action. They are not effective for acute relief. This does not provide immediate reversal of airway constriction during an asthma attack. D. High Fowler’s position improves lung expansion and reduces work of breathing, but it does not treat bronchoconstriction. It is supportive care only. This intervention does not directly resolve airway obstruction in acute asthma.