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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. A complete blood count (CBC) provides information about the composition of blood cells but is not specific to pulmonary embolism.

B) Incorrect. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis helps assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels but is not a primary test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.

C) Correct. The D-dimer assay measures a substance released when a blood clot breaks up. Elevated D-dimer levels can suggest the presence of a blood clot, but it is not specific to pulmonary embolism.

D) Incorrect. Creatine kinase (CK) levels are used to assess muscle damage and are not a primary test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.

A. "It occurs when bacteria enter the lungs and cause an infection, leading to blockage of the blood vessels." B. "A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot forms in the lungs and blocks the flow of blood." C. "It's the result of prolonged exposure to environmental toxins, which gradually damage the lung tissue." D. "Pulmonary embolism is caused by chronic inflammation in the airways, leading to restricted airflow."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client asks a nurse about the process that leads to a pulmonary embolism. How should the nurse explain the pathophysiology of pulmonary embolism?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is educating a client with pulmonary embolism about the importance of early recognition of symptoms. Which symptom should the client be advised to report immediately?

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 nurse is teaching a client about the risk factors for pulmonary embolism. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the risk factors?

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

A client recently had surgery and is concerned about the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. What risk factors should the nurse discuss with the client?

A nurse is discussing the risk factors for pulmonary embolism with a client. The client asks if age plays a role in this condition. How should the nurse respond?

A nurse is caring for a client with a pulmonary embolism who is receiving tissue plasminogen activator (tP therapy. What is the primary purpose of tPA in this situation?

A client recovering from major surgery asks a nurse about the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism postoperatively. What should the nurse include in the explanation of post-surgery risk factors?