A nurse is caring for a client with pulmonary edema. Which medication is commonly administered to manage pulmonary edema by reducing preload and afterload on the heart?

A) Incorrect. A decreased respiratory rate is not typically associated with pulmonary edema, which often leads to increased respiratory effort.

B) Correct. Inspiratory crackles in the lung bases are indicative of fluid accumulation in the alveoli and are a common physical finding in pulmonary edema.

C) Incorrect. Increased breath sounds are not typically associated with pulmonary edema; instead, crackles or wheezing may be heard.

D) Incorrect. Diminished heart sounds are not a characteristic finding in pulmonary edema.

A) Incorrect. Intravenous antibiotics may be necessary for certain pulmonary infections, but they do not address the immediate oxygenation needs in acute pulmonary edema.

B) Correct. Providing supplemental oxygen helps increase the client's oxygen levels, improving oxygenation in acute pulmonary edema.

C) Incorrect. While deep breathing exercises are beneficial for overall lung health, they may not be sufficient to address the immediate oxygenation issue in acute pulmonary edema.

D) Incorrect. Antipyretic medications are used to reduce fever and do not directly improve oxygenation in pulmonary edema.