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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during expiration and is not associated with crackling sounds.

B) Incorrect. Rhonchi are continuous low-pitched sounds heard during both inspiration and expiration, usually due to airway obstruction.

C) Incorrect. Stridor is a high-pitched, crowing sound that occurs during inspiration and suggests upper airway obstruction.

D) Correct. Rales, also known as crackles, are crackling or popping sounds heard during inspiration and can be indicative of fluid or inflammation in the lungs, which can occur with pulmonary embolism.

A. "Chest pain that worsens with deep breaths." B. "Persistent cough with yellow-green mucus production." C. "Lightheadedness and dizziness upon standing." D. "Swelling and redness in the lower legs."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Correct. Chest pain that worsens with deep breaths (pleuritic chest pain) is a common and concerning symptom of pulmonary embolism.

B) Incorrect. Persistent cough with yellow-green mucus production is not a typical symptom of pulmonary embolism.

C) Incorrect. Lightheadedness and dizziness can be associated with pulmonary embolism but are less specific symptoms.

D) Incorrect. Swelling and redness in the lower legs are more indicative of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can sometimes lead to pulmonary embolism but are not direct symptoms of pulmonary embolism.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism complains of sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse auscultates the client's chest and notes crackling sounds during inspiration. Which term describes these crackling sounds?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is educating a client about the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize as a common and concerning presentation of pulmonary embolism?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing education to a client who has been diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. The client asks, "What exactly is a pulmonary embolism?" How should the nurse respond?

A nurse is educating a client diagnosed with pulmonary embolism about the treatment options. Which of the following interventions is a common initial treatment approach for pulmonary embolism?

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

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?

A nurse is caring for a client with suspected pulmonary embolism who is undergoing diagnostic testing. What diagnostic test is often used as an initial screening tool for pulmonary embolism?

A nurse is explaining to a client why pulmonary embolism is considered a life-threatening condition. What aspect of pulmonary embolism should the nurse emphasize?

A client diagnosed with pulmonary embolism is receiving oxygen therapy. What is the primary goal of oxygen therapy in this situation?

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?