While caring for a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter, the nurse notes the pulmonary artery pressure to be significantly higher than previously recorded values. The nurse assesses respirations to be unlabored at 16 breaths/min, oxygen saturation of 98% on 3 L of oxygen via nasal cannula, and lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally. What is the priority nursing action?

Furosemide: Furosemide is a diuretic that is commonly used to manage fluid overload in patients with heart failure. The patient has significant pitting edema, increasing dyspnea, and elevated BNP levels, indicating worsening heart failure. Administering furosemide is a high priority to reduce fluid overload and relieve symptoms.

Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram can provide valuable information about heart function.

Aspirin: Aspirin is typically used for its antiplatelet effects in conditions like coronary artery disease. It is not essential for managing acute symptoms of heart failure. The patient’s primary issue is fluid overload rather than a clotting concern.

Losartan: Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), is commonly used in the management of chronic heart failure to reduce afterload and prevent further cardiac remodeling. It is essential as part of the long-term management plan for heart failure.

Cardiac catheterization: Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure typically used to assess coronary artery disease or for interventional procedures. It is not indicated for the acute management of heart failure symptoms and could pose unnecessary risks in this context.

Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray is essential to assess the extent of pulmonary congestion and rule out other causes of respiratory distress, such as pneumonia or pleural effusion, which are important in managing a patient with worsening heart failure.

A. This response may make the spouse feel pressured by implying that religion should not be a concern, which may not be respectful of the spouse's beliefs.

B. This statement is coercive, focusing on the shortage of organs rather than on the spouse's feelings and the wishes of the deceased.

C. Suggesting that donating organs will make the spouse feel better can be seen as manipulative and may not truly address the spouse's confusion or emotions.

D. Asking what the spouse thinks the deceased would have wanted is appropriate, as it centers on the values and wishes of the deceased, which can guide the spouse in making an informed decision.