19th February 2025

A 72-year-old lady with a background of heart failure and hypertension is brought in by ambulance to the emergency department with sudden-onset shortness of breath.

A 72-year-old lady with a background of heart failure and hypertension is brought in by ambulance to the emergency department with sudden-onset shortness of breath. On arrival her observations show a blood pressure of 204/103, heart rate of 114, saturations of 88% on room air and a respiratory rate of 26. Examination reveals fine bibasal inspiratory crackles and a raised JVP. A chest x-ray reveals pulmonary congestion. You suspect this patient has gone into flash pulmonary oedema. Which of the following is LEAST likely to form part of your initial acute management for this patient?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.