A nurse is providing teaching to a client about manifestations of pulmonary embolism (PE). Which of the following findings should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select All that Apply.)
Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing
Shortness of breath
Facial weakness that worsens at night
Bloody sputum
Difficulty speaking
Correct Answer : A
A. Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, also known as pleuritic pain, is a hallmark symptom of pulmonary embolism. It occurs due to inflammation of the pleura caused by the obstruction in the pulmonary vasculature.
B. Shortness of breath is one of the most common and early signs of a pulmonary embolism. It occurs due to reduced oxygenation resulting from blocked blood flow in the lungs.
C. Facial weakness that worsens at night is not a manifestation of pulmonary embolism. This symptom is more commonly associated with neurological conditions such as myasthenia gravis.
D. Bloody sputum, or hemoptysis, is a possible symptom of pulmonary embolism. It results from pulmonary infarction, which occurs when lung tissue is damaged due to reduced blood flow.
E. Difficulty speaking is not typically associated with pulmonary embolism. This symptom may be more indicative of neurological events such as stroke.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Determining the cause of the acute exacerbation is important for long-term management but is not the priority during an emergency like status asthmaticus, where immediate interventions are required to relieve airway obstruction.
B. Administering an inhaled glucocorticoid helps reduce airway inflammation but does not act quickly enough to relieve acute bronchospasm. This is a secondary intervention after immediate relief is achieved.
C. Administering a short-acting B2-agonist (SABA) is the priority because it works rapidly to relax bronchial smooth muscles, relieve bronchospasm, and improve airflow. SABAs, such as albuterol, are the first-line treatment in acute asthma exacerbations.
D. Obtaining a peak flow reading can help assess the severity of airway obstruction, but it is not the priority during an acute emergency. Stabilizing the client’s breathing is more critical.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Atropine is used to treat bradycardia and is not indicated for pulmonary embolism. It would not be the first choice in managing this condition.
B. Heparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent further clot formation in the case of a pulmonary embolism. It is typically administered to stabilize the patient and reduce the risk of further embolic events.
C. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation and is not typically used to treat pulmonary embolism. It is not the first-line treatment for this condition.
D. Furosemide is a diuretic used to manage fluid retention and is not directly indicated for pulmonary embolism. It may be used in cases of heart failure or pulmonary edema, but it is not the primary treatment for a pulmonary embolism.
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