What is the first nursing action taken for a patient suspected of having a pulmonary embolism who exhibits dyspnea?

When a patient is suspected of having a pulmonary embolism and exhibits dyspnea, the immediate priority is to support their respiratory needs and ensure adequate oxygenation. Administering oxygen therapy is the first nursing action in this scenario, as it addresses the potential life-threatening consequences of inadequate oxygen supply to the tissues, which can rapidly lead to respiratory distress and hypoxemia.

By providing supplemental oxygen, the healthcare provider can help improve the patient's oxygen saturation levels and alleviate symptoms of dyspnea. This initial intervention is crucial while further assessments and treatments, such as imaging studies or medications, are being organized and implemented.

The other actions listed, although important in the overall management of pulmonary embolism, are not the immediate priorities. For instance, administering anticoagulant therapy is essential to manage the underlying clot but may follow stabilizing the patient's condition with oxygen. Performing chest compressions would be relevant if the patient showed signs of cardiac arrest, which is not indicated solely by dyspnea. A chest X-ray may help in diagnosis, but it does not address the immediate need for oxygenation.