A 58-year-old with known chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) a…
A 58-year-old with known chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) arrives with acute dyspnea and pink frothy sputum. Vitals: BP 164/92, HR 118, RR 30, SpO₂ 88% on 2 L NC. Exam: holosystolic murmur at the apex radiating to the axilla, bibasilar crackles, no fever. CXR shows pulmonary edema. The provider asks which immediate intervention will most effectively improve forward cardiac output and reduce regurgitant flow while you continue other supportive measures. Which order should the nurse anticipate implementing first?