A 65-year-old man with a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease presents to the emergency department with acute onset shortness of breath and orthopnea. His blood pressure is 180/100 mmHg, heart rate 110 bpm, respiratory rate 28 bpm, and oxygen saturation 88% on room air. Lung auscultation reveals bilateral crackles. What is the most appropriate initial pharmacological intervention?
✓ Correct Answer: Option A
This patient presents with acute decompensated heart failure with pulmonary edema. Intravenous loop diuretics like furosemide are the mainstay of initial treatment to reduce preload and alleviate pulmonary congestion, improving symptoms and oxygenation.