A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should identify that the release of inflammatory mediators leads to which of the following pathologic findings?
Decreased pulmonary vascular resistance
Hypercapnia
Hypoventilation
Respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is D
Correct answer: D
Choice A Reason:
Decreased pulmonary vascular resistance is incorrect. Inflammatory mediators released in response to a pulmonary embolism can lead to vasoconstriction and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. This is part of the body's response to redirect blood flow away from the affected area of the lung and maintain adequate perfusion to other areas.
Choice B Reason:
Hypercapnia is incorrect. Hypercapnia refers to elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. Hypocapnia usually is present with embolism; hypercapnia, on the other hand, is rare.
Choice C Reason:
Hypoventilation is incorrect. Hypoventilation occurs when there is inadequate ventilation of the lungs relative to metabolic demands. In the context of a pulmonary embolism, hypoventilation can occur due to factors such as pain, respiratory muscle fatigue, or impaired gas exchange, all of which can be influenced by the release of inflammatory mediators.
Choice D Reason:
Respiratory alkalosis is correct. In response to the blockage and the resulting inflammation, the body often increases the respiratory rate as a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate oxygen levels and remove carbon dioxide. Due to the increased breathing rate, there is excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in the partial pressure of CO2 in the blood. This results in an increase in blood pH, causing respiratory alkalosis.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
African American clients is appropriate. Research suggests that African Americans have a lower prevalence of MS compared to White Americans, but they tend to have more severe disease progression and higher disability rates when diagnosed with MS.
Choice B Reason:
White American clients: Individuals of European descent, including White Americans, have the highest prevalence of MS, particularly those of northern European ancestry. MS is more common in populations of northern European descent compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
Choice C Reason:
East Asian clients: East Asians, including individuals of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean descent, have historically had lower rates of MS compared to individuals of European descent. However, MS prevalence appears to be increasing in East Asian populations, possibly due to changes in lifestyle and environmental factors.
Choice D Reason:
Hispanic or Latino clients: Studies suggest that the prevalence of MS is lower in Hispanic/Latino populations compared to White Americans but higher than in African Americans. However, there is considerable variation in MS prevalence among different Hispanic/Latino subgroups.
Choice E Reason:
Navajo Indian clients: Native American populations, including Navajo Indians, have been reported to have a lower prevalence of MS compared to individuals of European descent. However, limited data are available on MS prevalence and incidence in specific Native American tribes, and more research is needed to fully understand the disease burden in these populations.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Typical pneumonia is correct. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common bacterial pathogen that causes typical pneumonia, also known as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Typical pneumonia is characterized by an acute onset of symptoms such as fever, productive cough with purulent sputum, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most common causes of typical pneumonia, especially in community settings.
Choice B Reason:
Chemical pneumonitis is incorrect. chemical pneumonitis, refers to inflammation of the lung tissue caused by inhalation or aspiration of toxic chemicals, gases, or gastric contents. It is not caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Choice C Reason:
Atypical pneumonia is incorrect. Atypical pneumonia, refers to pneumonia caused by atypical pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. Atypical pneumonia typically presents with milder symptoms compared to typical pneumonia and may not respond to traditional antibiotics used for typical bacterial pneumonia.
Choice D Reason:
Aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia, occurs when foreign material, such as food, saliva, or gastric contents, is aspirated into the lungs, leading to inflammation and infection. While Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause pneumonia in the context of aspiration, it is more commonly associated with typical pneumonia acquired through inhalation of respiratory droplets containing the bacteria.
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