A nurse is caring for a client who develops a sudden onset of dyspnea. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect if the client has a pulmonary embolus?

Dispose of the client's feces and urine in a special container.

Choice A rationale:

This is the correct choice. Brachytherapy involves the placement of a radiation source in or near the tumor. To minimize radiation exposure to others, the client's bodily fluids (feces and urine) should be considered radioactive and disposed of properly in a designated container.

Choice B rationale:

While limiting the time of visitors can be a good measure to reduce radiation exposure, it is not the priority intervention. The primary concern is proper handling and disposal of radioactive bodily fluids.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping the client's linens in the room until after removal of the radiation source is not the correct choice. Radioactive linens should be handled and laundered separately, following appropriate safety protocols.

Choice D rationale:

Providing one dosimeter badge for staff to share while caring for the client is not adequate. Each staff member involved in direct care should have their dosimeter badge to monitor their individual radiation exposure levels.

Choice A rationale:
Expiratory rhonchi are typically associated with conditions such as chronic bronchitis or asthma but are not specific to pulmonary embolism.
Choice B rationale:
Petechiae over the lower extremities is not a characteristic finding in pulmonary embolism. Petechiae are tiny red or purple spots that appear due to bleeding under the skin and may be associated with other conditions like thrombocytopenia.
Choice C rationale:

The correct choice. Hemoptysis, which refers to coughing up blood, is a concerning finding in pulmonary embolism. It occurs due to the obstruction of blood flow in the pulmonary vasculature, leading to blood leaking into the lungs.
Choice D rationale:
Flattened neck veins are more likely to be observed in conditions associated with decreased venous return to the heart, such as hypovolemia or cardiac tamponade, and are not directly related to pulmonary embolism.