A client is being treated for a low-risk, stable pulmonary embolism (PE). Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize to provide effective management?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot, usually from the deep veins of the legs, travels to and obstructs the pulmonary arteries. Management priorities depend on the severity and stability of the client. In a low-risk, hemodynamically stable PE, the main goal is to prevent clot extension and new thrombus formation while allowing the body to gradually break down the existing clot. Anticoagulation therapy is the cornerstone of treatment in these cases. Rationale: A. Encouraging physical therapy to strengthen leg muscles is not a priority in the acute management of a pulmonary embolism. While mobility and rehabilitation are important in long-term prevention of venous thromboembolism, they do not address the existing clot or prevent immediate progression. The priority is anticoagulation to stabilize the condition before initiating strengthening or exercise programs. B. Instructing the client to perform deep breathing exercises every hour may support lung expansion and oxygenation, but it does not treat the underlying clot or prevent further embolization. Respiratory exercises are supportive care and are secondary to pharmacologic management. They are useful for preventing atelectasis but are not the priority intervention in acute PE treatment. C. Administering low molecular weight heparin as ordered is the priority intervention because it prevents further clot formation and propagation. Low molecular weight heparin works by inhibiting clotting factors in the coagulation cascade, reducing the risk of additional emboli. In a stable PE, anticoagulation is the first-line therapy to allow the body’s fibrinolytic system to gradually dissolve the existing clot. D. Preparing the client for surgery to remove the embolus is not indicated in a low-risk, stable pulmonary embolism. Surgical or catheter-directed embolectomy is reserved for massive or life-threatening PE with hemodynamic instability. In stable patients, invasive procedures are unnecessary and expose the client to additional risks without clear benefit.