A client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism complains of sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse auscultates the client's chest and notes crackling sounds during inspiration. Which term describes these crackling sounds?

Wheezing

Rhonchi

Stridor

Rales (crackles)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) Incorrect. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during expiration and is not associated with crackling sounds.

B) Incorrect. Rhonchi are continuous low-pitched sounds heard during both inspiration and expiration, usually due to airway obstruction.

C) Incorrect. Stridor is a high-pitched, crowing sound that occurs during inspiration and suggests upper airway obstruction.

D) Correct. Rales, also known as crackles, are crackling or popping sounds heard during inspiration and can be indicative of fluid or inflammation in the lungs, which can occur with pulmonary embolism.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. This description is more related to coronary artery blockages, not pulmonary embolism.

B) Incorrect. This describes a different lung condition called pneumonia, not pulmonary embolism.

C) Correct. A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary arteries, typically caused by a blood clot traveling from elsewhere in the body.

D) Incorrect. This describes a characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not pulmonary embolism.

A. "A pulmonary embolism directly affects the bronchial tubes, causing airway constriction." B. "It primarily causes inflammation in the alveoli, leading to impaired oxygen exchange." C. "Pulmonary embolism disrupts blood flow to the lung tissue, reducing oxygen supply." D. "The condition leads to excessive mucus production, obstructing the air passages."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Pulmonary embolism does not directly affect the bronchial tubes or cause airway constriction.

B) Incorrect. While inflammation can occur as a response to pulmonary embolism, its primary impact is on blood flow, not the alveoli.

C) Correct. The main effect of pulmonary embolism is the disruption of blood flow to lung tissue, reducing oxygen supply.

D) Incorrect. Excessive mucus production is not a characteristic effect of pulmonary embolism.

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A client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism complains of sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse auscultates the client's chest and notes crackling sounds during inspiration. Which term describes these crackling sounds?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing education to a client who has been diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. The client asks, "What exactly is a pulmonary embolism?" How should the nurse respond?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is educating a client on how a pulmonary embolism can impact lung function. What should the nurse emphasize regarding the physiological effects?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client presents to the emergency department with suspected pulmonary embolism. What blood test can help assess the likelihood of pulmonary embolism and its severity?

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A nurse is educating a client about the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize as a common and concerning presentation of pulmonary embolism?

A client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism complains of sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse auscultates the client's chest and notes crackling sounds during inspiration. Which term describes these crackling sounds?

A client diagnosed with pulmonary embolism is receiving oxygen therapy. What is the primary goal of oxygen therapy in this situation?

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