A nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which of the following is the initial assessment finding in the client diagnosed with PE?

Dyspnea and anxiety.

Altered level of consciousness.

Wheezing in lung bases.

Increased pulse and respiratory rate.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
The initial assessment finding in a client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE) is typically dyspnea and anxiety. This is because a PE can block blood flow in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing (dyspnea). The sudden onset of this symptom can cause significant anxiety in the patient.
Choice B rationale
An altered level of consciousness is not typically an initial finding in PE. While severe cases can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, causing confusion or loss of consciousness, these are not usually initial symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Wheezing in lung bases is not a typical initial finding in PE. Wheezing is more commonly associated with conditions that cause narrowing of the airways, such as asthma or COPD12.
Choice D rationale
While an increased pulse and respiratory rate can occur in PE due to the body’s attempt to compensate for decreased oxygen in the blood, they are not the most specific initial findings. Dyspnea and anxiety are more characteristic initial symptoms of PE12.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Offering high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods frequently is an important intervention for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)4. These nutrients can provide the energy needed for the increased metabolic demands of ARDS and support the healing process.
Choice B rationale
Administering low-flow oxygen continuously via nasal cannula is not typically the main treatment for ARDS5. ARDS is a severe condition that often requires high levels of supplemental oxygen delivered through methods that can provide higher concentrations of oxygen than a nasal cannula.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging oral intake of at least 3,000 mL of fluids per day is not a typical intervention for a client with ARDS4. While adequate hydration is important, too much fluid can worsen lung function in clients with ARDS4. Fluid management in ARDS is typically carefully controlled and may involve diuretics to remove excess fluid.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning and placing the client in a prone position is not a typical intervention for all clients with ARDS4. While some clients with severe ARDS may benefit from prone positioning, this is not a standard intervention for all clients with ARDS4.

A. It decreases trapped oxygen in the alveoli. B. It promotes independent breathing efforts. C. It keeps the airways and small lung spaces open. D. It facilitates weaning off the mechanical ventilator.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
PEEP does not decrease trapped oxygen in the alveoli. Instead, it helps to increase the volume of gas remaining in the lungs at the end of expiration, which can improve oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
PEEP does not directly promote independent breathing efforts. It is a mode of mechanical ventilation used to support a patient’s breathing.
Choice C rationale
PEEP keeps the airways and small lung spaces open by increasing the pressure in the lungs at the end of expiration. This can prevent alveolar collapse and improve oxygenation in patients with conditions like ARDS23.
Choice D rationale
While PEEP can be used in the process of weaning a patient off mechanical ventilation, its primary benefit is not facilitating weaning. It is used to improve oxygenation and prevent alveolar collapse.

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 nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which of the following is the initial assessment finding in the client diagnosed with PE?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is planning care for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and being treated with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP). How does PEEP benefit the client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient diagnosed with lung carcinoma is scheduled for a left pneumonectomy. Which nursing intervention should be prioritized in the immediate postoperative period?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a pneumothorax. The nurse is reviewing the client’s medical record. What prescriptions should the nurse anticipate for a client who has a pneumothorax?

A nurse is caring for a patient at risk for atelectasis. Which independent nursing measure should the nurse prioritize to prevent the development of atelectasis?

A client has been diagnosed in the Emergency Department with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following actions should a nurse perform first?

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient on a ventilator, to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. The nurse recognizes that which of the following interventions should be included? Select all that apply.

The nurse is assigned to a quality improvement committee to decide on a quality improvement project for the unit. Which issues should the nurse discuss at the committee meeting?

A nurse is working with a colleague who frequently interrupts and dominates during patient care discussions. The nurse wants to address this behavior assertively to ensure effective teamwork. Which response by the nurse demonstrates assertive behavior?

In the context of developing a care plan for a patient on a ventilator to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, which interventions should be included? Select all that apply.