For a patient with pulmonary edema or CHF, what is the first recommended action?

For a patient experiencing pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure (CHF), placing them in the high Fowler's position is the recommended first action. This position involves sitting the patient upright and at a sharp angle, which helps alleviate shortness of breath by allowing for better lung expansion and reducing the workload on the heart.

In this position, gravity assists in reducing venous return to the heart, which can help decrease the interstitial fluid overload that characterizes pulmonary edema. By doing so, it can improve oxygenation and comfort levels for the patient, enabling them to breathe more easily until further intervention can be provided.

The other choices may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan but are not the initial priority for immediate patient care in this scenario. Administering oxygen may be necessary, but the patient’s position should be optimized first to maximize the efficacy of oxygen delivery and improve respiratory mechanics. Calling for advanced medical support is always a good practice, but managing the patient’s immediate condition takes precedence, and the supine position can exacerbate breathing difficulties in such cases.