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?

Jaundice

Pallor

Erythema

Cyanosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) Incorrect. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and sclera due to elevated bilirubin levels, which is not described in the client's symptoms.

B) Incorrect. Pallor refers to paleness of the skin, which is not consistent with the client's cyanosis.

C) Incorrect. Erythema refers to redness of the skin due to increased blood flow, which is not the best description of the client's symptoms.

D) Correct. Cyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and nail beds due to decreased oxygen saturation in the blood, which is indicative of a severe oxygen deficit often seen in pulmonary embolism.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Chest X-rays can show certain abnormalities but are not the primary diagnostic tool for pulmonary embolism.

B) Incorrect. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are used to assess heart rhythm and electrical activity but are not used to diagnose pulmonary embolism.

C) Incorrect. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used in some cases, but CTPA is the preferred test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.

D) Correct. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism as it can visualize blood clots in the pulmonary arteries.

A. "Post-surgery pulmonary embolism is primarily associated with surgical incisions and scars." B. "The risk of pulmonary embolism is low after surgery and is not related to any specific factors." C. "Prolonged immobility, surgical trauma, and changes in blood clotting are common risk factors." D. "The risk of post-surgery pulmonary embolism is mainly due to excessive fluid intake during recovery."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. While surgical trauma can be a risk factor, it is not solely associated with incisions and scars.

B) Incorrect. The risk of pulmonary embolism after surgery is not low, and specific factors do contribute to the risk.

C) Correct. Prolonged immobility, surgical trauma, and changes in blood clotting are common risk factors for post-surgery pulmonary embolism.

D) Incorrect. Excessive fluid intake during recovery is not a primary risk factor for post-surgery pulmonary embolism.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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