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 C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can strain the heart, it is primarily a result of disrupted blood flow to the lungs, not heart failure.
B) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can impact lung function, it does so through blocked blood flow rather than severe inflammation.
C) Correct. The most critical aspect of pulmonary embolism is the blockage of blood flow to the lungs, which can lead to severe oxygen deprivation and be fatal.
D) Incorrect. The collapse of bronchial tubes is not a characteristic of pulmonary embolism.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Hemoptysis refers to coughing up blood, which is not described in the client's symptoms.
B) Incorrect. Orthopnea is the inability to breathe comfortably when lying flat and is not the best description of the client's symptoms.
C) Incorrect. Syncope refers to fainting or loss of consciousness, which is not the primary symptom described.
D) Correct. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, along with lightheadedness and rapid heart rate, is a common presentation of pulmonary embolism.
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