Management of Acute Pulmonary Edema:
- Positioning: Sit the patient up to reduce venous return and improve breathing.
- Oxygen: Administer oxygen to maintain O2 saturation above 95%, or above 90% in COPD patients.
Medications:
- Furosemide (Lasix): 40 mg IV to reduce fluid overload.
- Morphine: 2.5-5 mg IV slowly to relieve anxiety and distress.
- Nitrates: Sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) to reduce preload and alleviate symptoms.