A nurse is educating a client about the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize as a common and concerning presentation of pulmonary embolism?

"Chest pain that worsens with deep breaths."

"Persistent cough with yellow-green mucus production."

"Lightheadedness and dizziness upon standing."

"Swelling and redness in the lower legs."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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.

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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. To increase heart rate B. To reduce anxiety C. To improve oxygen saturation and tissue oxygenation D. To lower blood pressure

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.

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A nurse is educating a client about the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize as a common and concerning presentation of pulmonary embolism?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. Which diagnostic test is commonly used to confirm the presence of a pulmonary embolism?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client diagnosed with pulmonary embolism is receiving oxygen therapy. What is the primary goal of oxygen therapy in this situation?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with pulmonary embolism is experiencing severe shortness of breath. Which nursing intervention takes priority in this situation?

A client with a history of pulmonary embolism reports experiencing sudden shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and rapid heart rate. Which term best describes this clinical presentation?

A client with pulmonary embolism is prescribed an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. What is the primary purpose of an IVC filter in this situation?

A nurse is assessing a client with suspected pulmonary embolism. The client reports feeling a sudden sense of impending doom and restlessness. Which term best describes this psychological symptom?

A client asks a nurse about the process that leads to a pulmonary embolism. How should the nurse explain the pathophysiology of pulmonary embolism?

A client asks a nurse if there are any lifestyle changes they can make to reduce the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. What advice should the nurse provide?

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?

A nurse is educating a client diagnosed with pulmonary embolism about the treatment options. Which of the following interventions is a common initial treatment approach for pulmonary embolism?