A healthcare professional is caring for four patients. Which patient does the professional assess for pulmonary emboli (PE) as the priority?
Deep vein thrombosis
Endocarditis
Left heart failure
Valvular disease
The Correct Answer is A
A. Deep vein thrombosis: Patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are at a significantly higher risk for developing pulmonary embolism (PE) due to the potential for thrombus formation in the veins to dislodge and travel to the lungs. Assessing this patient as a priority is crucial, as timely intervention can prevent the development of PE.
B. Endocarditis: While endocarditis can lead to embolic events, it typically results in systemic emboli rather than specifically causing pulmonary embolism. The immediate priority for PE assessment is lower in patients with endocarditis compared to those with DVT.
C. Left heart failure: Left heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion and respiratory symptoms but does not directly indicate a high risk of pulmonary embolism. While it is important to monitor these patients, assessing for PE is not the immediate priority.
D. Valvular disease: Valvular disease can increase the risk of thrombus formation, particularly if it results in atrial fibrillation. However, the direct connection to pulmonary embolism is not as pronounced as in patients with DVT. Therefore, assessing patients with valvular disease for PE is not the priority compared to those with DVT.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Atherosclerotic lesion: An atherosclerotic lesion can lead to reduced blood flow to the myocardium, but it is not the direct trigger for angina pectoris. Rather, it is a contributing factor to the development of conditions that cause angina.
B. Myocardial necrosis: Myocardial necrosis refers to irreversible cell damage due to prolonged ischemia, such as in a myocardial infarction. This is not a trigger for angina pectoris but rather a consequence of severe and prolonged ischemia.
C. Myocardial ischemia: Myocardial ischemia is the primary trigger for angina pectoris. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the oxygen supply and demand in the heart muscle, typically due to narrowed coronary arteries. This insufficient blood flow results in chest pain or discomfort characteristic of angina.
D. Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and subsequent coronary artery disease but does not directly trigger angina pectoris. It contributes to the underlying processes that lead to myocardial ischemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Myocardial infarction: Myocardial infarction involves the irreversible damage to the heart muscle due to prolonged ischemia, typically resulting from the occlusion of a coronary artery. The lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to cell death in the affected area of the heart, causing permanent damage.
B. Myocardial stunning: Myocardial stunning refers to a temporary reduction in the heart's function following reperfusion after a period of ischemia. The heart muscle may regain function over time, and this condition does not cause irreversible damage.
C. Stable angina: Stable angina is characterized by transient chest pain due to reversible ischemia, usually triggered by physical exertion or stress. The ischemic episodes do not lead to irreversible damage to the heart muscle, as blood flow is restored when the trigger is removed.
D. Unstable angina: Unstable angina involves episodes of chest pain that occur at rest or with minimal exertion and may signal an impending myocardial infarction. While it indicates a high risk of myocardial infarction, it does not cause irreversible damage to the heart muscle itself unless it progresses to an infarction.
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