A client asks a nurse about the process that leads to a pulmonary embolism. How should the nurse explain the pathophysiology of pulmonary embolism?
"It occurs when bacteria enter the lungs and cause an infection, leading to blockage of the blood vessels."
"A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot forms in the lungs and blocks the flow of blood."
"It's the result of prolonged exposure to environmental toxins, which gradually damage the lung tissue."
"Pulmonary embolism is caused by chronic inflammation in the airways, leading to restricted airflow."
The Correct Answer is B
A) Incorrect. This description is more aligned with a lung infection, such as pneumonia, not pulmonary embolism.
B) Correct. Pulmonary embolism is typically caused by a blood clot that travels to the lungs and obstructs the pulmonary arteries.
C) Incorrect. Prolonged exposure to environmental toxins is not the primary cause of pulmonary embolism.
D) Incorrect. Chronic inflammation in the airways is characteristic of conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but not pulmonary embolism.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can strain the heart, it is primarily a result of disrupted blood flow to the lungs, not heart failure.
B) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can impact lung function, it does so through blocked blood flow rather than severe inflammation.
C) Correct. The most critical aspect of pulmonary embolism is the blockage of blood flow to the lungs, which can lead to severe oxygen deprivation and be fatal.
D) Incorrect. The collapse of bronchial tubes is not a characteristic of pulmonary embolism.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Intravenous antibiotics are not typically used as the initial treatment for pulmonary embolism. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not blood clots.
B) Correct. Anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin, is often the initial treatment for pulmonary embolism to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of complications.
C) Incorrect. Emergency surgical removal of the embolism is considered in severe cases but is not the common initial treatment approach.
D) Incorrect. Placement of a chest tube for drainage is not a standard treatment for pulmonary embolism; it is used for conditions involving pleural effusion or pneumothorax.
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