What action is recommended for a patient suspected of having a pulmonary embolism?

Administering oxygen and notifying a physician immediately is the appropriate action for a patient suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. This condition can lead to significant respiratory distress and impaired gas exchange, making oxygen support crucial. Providing supplemental oxygen helps to alleviate hypoxia and stabilize the patient's oxygen saturation levels.

Furthermore, promptly notifying a physician is essential because pulmonary embolisms can rapidly worsen, necessitating urgent evaluation and intervention, such as diagnostic imaging and potential anticoagulation therapy or other treatments. Rapid medical response can improve outcomes significantly in such critical situations.

Other interventions listed may support the patient but do not address the immediate threat posed by a potential pulmonary embolism as effectively as those that ensure oxygenation and swift medical intervention.