A client with pulmonary embolism is experiencing severe shortness of breath. Which nursing intervention takes priority in this situation?

Administering pain medication

Initiating anticoagulant therapy

Providing supplemental oxygen

Encouraging ambulation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Incorrect. While pain management is important, providing supplemental oxygen to address severe shortness of breath takes priority.

B) Incorrect. Initiating anticoagulant therapy is essential but may take some time to have an effect. Oxygen therapy should be provided immediately to address the client's oxygenation.

C) Correct. Providing supplemental oxygen is the priority intervention for a client with severe

shortness of breath to ensure adequate oxygenation.

D) Incorrect. Encouraging ambulation is not appropriate in a client with severe shortness of breath. Stabilizing the client's oxygenation and condition is the immediate concern.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and sclera due to elevated bilirubin levels, which is not described in the client's symptoms.

B) Incorrect. Pallor refers to paleness of the skin, which is not consistent with the client's cyanosis.

C) Incorrect. Erythema refers to redness of the skin due to increased blood flow, which is not the best description of the client's symptoms.

D) Correct. Cyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and nail beds due to decreased oxygen saturation in the blood, which is indicative of a severe oxygen deficit often seen in pulmonary embolism.

A. Fatigue and generalized weakness B. Persistent dry cough and sore throat C. Sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breaths D. Increased appetite and weight gain

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Fatigue and weakness can be nonspecific symptoms and are not specific to pulmonary embolism.

B) Incorrect. While cough and sore throat can be symptoms of respiratory conditions, they are not specific to pulmonary embolism.

C) Correct. Sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, known as pleuritic chest pain, is a classic symptom of pulmonary embolism.

D) Incorrect. Increased appetite and weight gain are not typically associated with pulmonary embolism and may suggest other conditions.

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A client with pulmonary embolism is experiencing severe shortness of breath. Which nursing intervention takes priority in this situation?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with suspected pulmonary embolism. The client's oxygen saturation drops significantly, and the nurse observes cyanosis of the lips and nail beds. Which term best describes this clinical finding?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. Which symptom reported by the client is most indicative of this condition?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with pulmonary embolism is experiencing severe shortness of breath. Which nursing intervention takes priority in this situation?

A client with a history of recurrent pulmonary embolism is prescribed long-term anticoagulant therapy. What medication is commonly used for long-term anticoagulation in this situation?

A nurse is explaining the risk factors for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to a client. The client asks about the connection between DVT and pulmonary embolism. What should the nurse tell the client?

A client is undergoing an echocardiogram as part of the diagnostic workup for suspected pulmonary embolism. What information can an echocardiogram provide in this context?

A client asks a nurse if there are any lifestyle changes they can make to reduce the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. What advice should the nurse provide?

A nurse is educating a client with a history of pulmonary embolism on lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of recurrence. Which of the following recommendations is appropriate?

A nurse is caring for a client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. Which diagnostic test is commonly used to confirm the presence of a pulmonary embolism?

A client with a history of smoking asks the nurse about the relationship between smoking and the risk of pulmonary embolism. How should the nurse explain this relationship?