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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct. Chest pain that worsens with deep breaths (pleuritic chest pain) is a common and concerning symptom of pulmonary embolism.
B) Incorrect. Persistent cough with yellow-green mucus production is not a typical symptom of pulmonary embolism.
C) Incorrect. Lightheadedness and dizziness can be associated with pulmonary embolism but are less specific symptoms.
D) Incorrect. Swelling and redness in the lower legs are more indicative of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can sometimes lead to pulmonary embolism but are not direct symptoms of pulmonary embolism.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. This description is more related to coronary artery blockages, not pulmonary embolism.
B) Incorrect. This describes a different lung condition called pneumonia, not pulmonary embolism.
C) Correct. A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary arteries, typically caused by a blood clot traveling from elsewhere in the body.
D) Incorrect. This describes a characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not pulmonary embolism.
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