What intervention should be prioritized for patients with pulmonary embolism?

For patients with pulmonary embolism (PE), prioritizing the monitoring and stabilization of vital signs is crucial because this condition can lead to significant respiratory distress and hemodynamic instability. Patients may experience changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels due to blockage in the pulmonary arteries, which impairs blood flow and the ability to oxygenate blood effectively.

By closely monitoring vital signs, healthcare providers can identify potentially life-threatening changes early and intervene promptly. Stabilizing vital signs may include administering oxygen, initiating anticoagulation therapy, and, in severe cases, advanced interventions like thrombolytics or surgical embolectomy. The immediate focus must be on ensuring that the patient's cardiovascular and respiratory status is stable to prevent further complications.

Other interventions, such as immediate physical therapy or progressive weight-bearing exercises, could be important in the long-term management and recovery of a patient with PE, but they are not appropriate to prioritize when the patient is in an acute phase of this potentially life-threatening condition. Increased dietary restrictions are not relevant in the acute management of pulmonary embolism.