A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. Which symptom reported by the client is most indicative of this condition?
Fatigue and generalized weakness
Persistent dry cough and sore throat
Sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breaths
Increased appetite and weight gain
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. An echocardiogram does not visualize blood clots in the pulmonary arteries; it focuses on assessing heart function and structure.
B) Correct. An echocardiogram provides valuable information about heart valve function and heart structure, helping assess the impact of a pulmonary embolism on the heart.
C) Incorrect. Measurement of arterial blood gases (ABGs) is typically performed through blood sampling, not with an echocardiogram.
D) Incorrect. Echocardiograms do not evaluate lung function and ventilation; they primarily assess cardiac function.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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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