What nursing intervention is important for a patient with COVID-19 at risk for pulmonary edema?

Monitoring gas exchange is crucial for a patient with COVID-19 who is at risk for pulmonary edema because it helps assess the patient’s respiratory status and the effectiveness of oxygenation. COVID-19 can lead to significant respiratory complications, including impaired gas exchange due to inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs. By closely monitoring parameters such as oxygen saturation and arterial blood gases, healthcare providers can identify any deterioration in the patient's condition early and intervene promptly. This proactive approach is essential in managing potential complications and ensuring adequate oxygen delivery to tissues.

In the context of the other options, they do not align with the necessary interventions for a patient at risk for pulmonary edema. A high salt diet can exacerbate fluid retention, limiting fluid intake is important in specific situations but must be considered carefully based on the patient's overall fluid status, and promoting long periods of inactivity can lead to further complications such as deconditioning or thromboembolic events. Hence, monitoring gas exchange stands out as the most relevant and effective intervention in this scenario.