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."
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. A complete blood count (CBC) provides information about the composition of blood cells but is not specific to pulmonary embolism.
B) Incorrect. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis helps assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels but is not a primary test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
C) Correct. The D-dimer assay measures a substance released when a blood clot breaks up. Elevated D-dimer levels can suggest the presence of a blood clot, but it is not specific to pulmonary embolism.
D) Incorrect. Creatine kinase (CK) levels are used to assess muscle damage and are not a primary test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Avoiding all physical activity is not recommended. Clients should engage in appropriate physical activity, and the level of activity may be adjusted based on their condition.
B) Incorrect. A diet high in cholesterol is not a preventive measure for blood clots; in fact, it can contribute to cardiovascular risk factors.
C) Incorrect. While excessive caffeine and alcohol intake should be avoided, eliminating them completely is not a specific preventive measure for pulmonary embolism.
D) Correct. Following the healthcare provider's recommendations for anticoagulant therapy is crucial in preventing recurrent pulmonary embolism, especially in individuals with a history of the condition.
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.