A nurse is discussing the risk factors for pulmonary embolism with a client. The client asks if age plays a role in this condition. How should the nurse respond?

A) Incorrect. Oxygen therapy is not administered to increase heart rate but rather to improve oxygen delivery to tissues.

B) Incorrect. While oxygen therapy may help alleviate anxiety related to shortness of breath, its primary goal is to address oxygenation.

C) Correct. The primary goal of oxygen therapy in pulmonary embolism is to improve oxygen saturation and tissue oxygenation, as pulmonary embolism can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood.

D) Incorrect. Oxygen therapy is not used to lower blood pressure but rather to address oxygenation and tissue oxygen delivery.

A) Incorrect. Mild shortness of breath during activities may not be unusual, but sudden or severe shortness of breath should be reported.

B) Correct. Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing may indicate a worsening of the pulmonary embolism and should be reported immediately.

C) Incorrect. Mild swelling in the ankles is not typically a sign of a pulmonary embolism. However, severe leg swelling or pain should be evaluated.

D) Incorrect. An occasional cough with clear sputum is not necessarily a sign of a pulmonary embolism. However, if the cough becomes severe or is associated with other symptoms, it should be reported.