Jimmy is a 70-year-old retired policeman. Six years ago he had a MI and has done well since his recovery. Two days ago, he noticed that he became short of breath while walking. He is unable to sleep while lying flat and now requires three pillows. His physician determined that he was in heart failure and that his lungs were “ wet”. He was placed on a strong diuretic, Lasix, and digitalis (to strengthen his cardiac muscle contraction). He was also given a potassium supplement. If Jimmy's condition was Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome:

1. Why was a diuretic administered.