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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Oxygen therapy is not administered to increase heart rate but rather to improve oxygen delivery to tissues.
B) Incorrect. While oxygen therapy may help alleviate anxiety related to shortness of breath, its primary goal is to address oxygenation.
C) Correct. The primary goal of oxygen therapy in pulmonary embolism is to improve oxygen saturation and tissue oxygenation, as pulmonary embolism can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood.
D) Incorrect. Oxygen therapy is not used to lower blood pressure but rather to address oxygenation and tissue oxygen delivery.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Anhedonia refers to the inability to experience pleasure and is not the best description of the client's symptom.
B) Incorrect. Euphoria is a state of intense happiness or elation, which is not consistent with the client's report.
C) Correct. The client's feeling of impending doom and restlessness is characteristic of anxiety, which can occur in response to a pulmonary embolism.
D) Incorrect. Apathy refers to a lack of interest or emotion and does not describe the client's state of restlessness and fear.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.