The nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who reports experiencing shortness of breath and observes 2+ pitting edema in the lower extremities. The nurse should contact the healthcare provider (HCP) prior to the administration of which medication?

A. Amiodarone: Amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity, but it is not a beta blocker and is less likely to cause acute bronchoconstriction. It should still be used cautiously in clients with lung disease, but it is not the priority to withhold based on current symptoms. B. Propranolol: Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker that can worsen bronchospasm in clients with COPD by blocking beta-2 receptors in the lungs. Given the client’s shortness of breath and COPD history, the nurse should consult the HCP before administering this drug. C. Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that helps reduce fluid overload and edema. It is appropriate in the presence of pitting edema and respiratory symptoms, as it may relieve symptoms related to right-sided heart failure commonly associated with advanced COPD. D. Losartan: Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used to manage hypertension and reduce cardiac workload. It does not typically worsen pulmonary function and is not contraindicated in COPD patients presenting with shortness of breath or edema.