Which of the following is a common treatment approach for acute pulmonary embolism?

Anticoagulation therapy is a fundamental and common treatment for acute pulmonary embolism. The primary goal of anticoagulation is to prevent further clot formation and allow the body’s natural fibrinolytic processes to dissolve the existing clot. Medications such as heparin or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) are often employed initially. These agents help to quickly reduce the risk of further embolic events and complications. Following initial treatment, oral anticoagulants, such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), may be started for long-term management.

While other options may play supportive roles in managing acute pulmonary embolism, they are not primary treatments focused on addressing the underlying issue of the embolism itself. For example, oxygen therapy can be useful for symptomatic relief in patients experiencing hypoxemia due to the embolism, but it does not address the clot directly. Similarly, bronchodilators may help with associated respiratory symptoms but are not considered a standard approach for treating pulmonary embolism. Surgery, such as embolectomy, is reserved for severe cases where there is significant hemodynamic compromise and is not commonly performed in most cases of acute pulmonary embolism.