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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cherry jello is not a part of a full-liquid diet. While it is soft and easy to swallow, it does not provide the necessary nutrients that a patient recovering from surgery for laryngeal cancer would need.
Choice B rationale
Clear broth soup is part of a clear liquid diet, not a full liquid diet. A full liquid diet includes foods that are liquid at room temperature or melt at body temperature.
Choice C rationale
Chicken noodle soup is not suitable for a full-liquid diet. The noodles and chicken pieces could pose a swallowing risk for a patient recovering from surgery for laryngeal cancer.
Choice D rationale
Cream of potato soup is a suitable choice for a full-liquid diet. It is smooth and easy to swallow, and it provides necessary nutrients.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
In a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an arterial blood gas (ABG) test would typically show an increased level of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)56. This is because COPD affects the ability of the lungs to expel carbon dioxide, leading to its buildup in the blood.
Choice B rationale
An increased pH is not typically seen in COPD. In fact, due to the increased carbon dioxide (which is acidic), the pH may be lower, indicating respiratory acidosis.
Choice C rationale
Decreased alveolar function is a characteristic of COPD, but it is not something that would be directly measured in an ABG test.
Choice D rationale
An increased arterial oxygen (PaO2) is not typically seen in COPD. In fact, due to the impaired gas exchange, PaO2 may be lower.
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