A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative and has a history of pulmonary embolism. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

Rationale: A. Hypotension: While hypotension can indicate shock or fluid imbalance, it may develop secondary to other complications. It is concerning but not necessarily the earliest indicator of an acute pulmonary embolism. B. Dyspnea: Sudden or worsening shortness of breath is the most immediate sign of a possible pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening. Prompt recognition and reporting are critical to initiate interventions such as oxygen therapy, anticoagulation, or advanced imaging. C. Dry cough: A dry cough may accompany a pulmonary embolism but is nonspecific and less urgent. It does not indicate immediate compromise compared with respiratory distress or hypoxia. D. Tachycardia: Elevated heart rate can be an early sign of stress or hypoxia but is less specific than dyspnea. Tachycardia warrants monitoring, but shortness of breath takes priority for immediate action.