A nurse is preparing to collect a specimen from a client for a guaiac test. The client asks what the test will detect in his stool. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

a. Begin oxygen therapy: Oxygen therapy is the priority intervention for a client with a pulmonary embolism to improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxemia.

b. Start an IV infusion of lactated Ringer’s: While fluid resuscitation may be needed, oxygen therapy takes precedence to address the immediate respiratory compromise.

c. Initiate cardiac monitoring: Cardiac monitoring is important, but addressing oxygenation is the priority in a client with a pulmonary embolism.

d. Administer IV morphine: Pain management may be necessary, but the priority is to address the respiratory distress and potential hypoxemia associated with a pulmonary embolism.

a. Low BP and low pulse rate: In hypovolemic shock, there is a decrease in blood volume,

leading to low blood pressure. However, the body compensates by increasing the heart rate to maintain perfusion to vital organs.

b. Low BP and high pulse rate: This is indicative of hypovolemic shock. The low blood pressure results from decreased blood volume, while the high pulse rate is a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output.

c. High BP and low pulse rate: This combination is not typical of hypovolemic shock. High blood pressure is not expected in the presence of decreased blood volume.

d. High BP and high pulse rate: While a high pulse rate is expected in hypovolemic shock, high blood pressure is not a characteristic finding.