A client with a history of pulmonary embolism reports experiencing sudden shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and rapid heart rate. Which term best describes this clinical presentation?
Hemoptysis
Orthopnea
Syncope
Dyspnea
The Correct Answer is D
A) Incorrect. Hemoptysis refers to coughing up blood, which is not described in the client's symptoms.
B) Incorrect. Orthopnea is the inability to breathe comfortably when lying flat and is not the best description of the client's symptoms.
C) Incorrect. Syncope refers to fainting or loss of consciousness, which is not the primary symptom described.
D) Correct. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, along with lightheadedness and rapid heart rate, is a common presentation of pulmonary embolism.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Anhedonia refers to the inability to experience pleasure and is not the best description of the client's symptom.
B) Incorrect. Euphoria is a state of intense happiness or elation, which is not consistent with the client's report.
C) Correct. The client's feeling of impending doom and restlessness is characteristic of anxiety, which can occur in response to a pulmonary embolism.
D) Incorrect. Apathy refers to a lack of interest or emotion and does not describe the client's state of restlessness and fear.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Chest X-rays can show certain abnormalities but are not the primary diagnostic tool for pulmonary embolism.
B) Incorrect. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are used to assess heart rhythm and electrical activity but are not used to diagnose pulmonary embolism.
C) Incorrect. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used in some cases, but CTPA is the preferred test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
D) Correct. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism as it can visualize blood clots in the pulmonary arteries.
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