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?
Administration of intravenous antibiotics
Initiation of anticoagulant therapy
Emergency surgical removal of the embolism
Placement of a chest tube for drainage
The Correct Answer is B
A) Incorrect. Intravenous antibiotics are not typically used as the initial treatment for pulmonary embolism. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not blood clots.
B) Correct. Anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin, is often the initial treatment for pulmonary embolism to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of complications.
C) Incorrect. Emergency surgical removal of the embolism is considered in severe cases but is not the common initial treatment approach.
D) Incorrect. Placement of a chest tube for drainage is not a standard treatment for pulmonary embolism; it is used for conditions involving pleural effusion or pneumothorax.
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Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent, not a long-term anticoagulant, and it is typically not used as the primary treatment for pulmonary embolism.
B) Correct. Warfarin (Coumadin) is commonly used for long-term anticoagulation in individuals with a history of recurrent pulmonary embolism. It helps prevent the formation of new blood clots.
C) Incorrect. Insulin is used to manage blood sugar levels in diabetes and is not a medication for anticoagulation.
D) Incorrect. Nitroglycerin is used to relieve chest pain (angina) related to heart conditions but is not an anticoagulant.
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