A client with a history of asthma presents to the clinic complaining of sudden shortness of breath, wheezing, and a dry cough. The nurse notes the client is tachypneic and using accessory muscles. What is the priority nursing intervention?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
For an acute asthma exacerbation, the priority is to open the airways. A short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) provides rapid bronchodilation, relieving bronchospasm and improving airflow. Other actions follow stabilization.