A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with a pulmonary e…
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism who is receiving continuous intravenous heparin therapy. The patient suddenly reports worsening shortness of breath and chest pain. The nurse assesses the following: SpO2 88% on 4 L/min via nasal cannula, respiratory rate 28, HR 122, and BP 88/56. Which action should the nurse implement first?