A client gave birth 2 days ago and is preparing for discharge. The nurse assesses respirations to be 26 breaths/min and labored, and the client complains of chest pain & short of breath ambulating from the bathroom this morning. Lung sounds are clear. The nurse alerts the primary care provider and the nurse- midwife to her concern that the client may be experiencing:

A. Pulmonary embolism (PE): PE is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, often originating from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Postpartum clients are at increased risk due to hypercoagulability. Symptoms include sudden-onset dyspnea, chest pain, tachypnea, tachycardia, and hypoxia despite clear lung sounds. This warrants immediate intervention. B. Mitral valve collapse: This is not a common postpartum complication and does not explain the client’s acute symptoms. C. Upper respiratory infection: URIs present with cough, congestion, fever, and abnormal lung sounds, which this client does not have. D. Thrombophlebitis: This refers to localized inflammation of a superficial vein, which may cause leg pain and swelling but does not typically result in respiratory distress.