Saunders Respiratory Practice 2025 - Free Respiratory Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary treatment for a pulmonary embolism is anticoagulants, which are medications designed to prevent new clots from forming and to stop existing clots from getting larger. These medications work by inhibiting clotting factors in the blood, which is essential in managing the condition, as pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow and causing significant complications.

Timely administration of anticoagulants can significantly reduce the mortality rate associated with pulmonary embolism, making it a critical component of the treatment protocol. While oxygen therapy may be used to address hypoxia in some patients, it does not address the underlying issue of the blood clot. Corticosteroids and antibiotics do not play a role in the management of pulmonary embolism, as they are used for other inflammatory or infectious processes rather than for thrombosis. Thus, the use of anticoagulants is centered on directly resolving the thrombotic event, making it the primary treatment choice.