After notifying the rapid response team about a suspected pulmonary embolism, the nurse's next step should be to:

Obtaining vital signs after notifying the rapid response team about a suspected pulmonary embolism is crucial for several reasons. Vital signs provide immediate and critical information regarding the patient's hemodynamic status and respiratory function. In the case of a pulmonary embolism, the patient may experience significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, all of which can guide further interventions and the urgency of the situation.

Monitoring vital signs allows the healthcare team to assess the severity of the situation. For example, tachycardia, hypotension, or changes in respiratory rate can indicate deterioration, prompting immediate action from the rapid response team. This step is essential in ensuring that appropriate medical treatment can be initiated quickly, potentially improving patient outcomes.

While positioning the patient appropriately can also be important, as it helps to facilitate optimal breathing and circulation, obtaining vital signs takes precedence to provide a clear picture of the patient's condition. Other options, such as obtaining a prescription for medication like warfarin, would not be immediate and would likely occur after a full assessment and diagnosis by the healthcare team.