A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client who presents with a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following information should the nurse provide?

Treatment is not needed if the client is asymptomatic.

Treatment is not needed if the pulmonary embolism is intermediate.

Treatment is not needed if the client is hemodynamically stable.

Treatment is needed for all clients who have a pulmonary embolism.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Treatment is not needed if the client is asymptomatic.

Even asymptomatic pulmonary embolisms can lead to complications such as progression to symptomatic PE or development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, treatment is necessary to prevent these complications.

B. Treatment is not needed if the pulmonary embolism is intermediate.

The severity of a pulmonary embolism is determined by various factors, including the size and location of the clot and the degree of obstruction in the pulmonary arteries. Intermediate-risk pulmonary embolisms still require treatment to prevent complications and reduce the risk of progression to a more severe or life-threatening condition.

C. Treatment is not needed if the client is hemodynamically stable.

Hemodynamic stability refers to the client's circulatory status and whether they are maintaining adequate blood flow to vital organs. While hemodynamically stable clients may not require aggressive interventions such as thrombolytic therapy or surgical embolectomy, they still require anticoagulant therapy to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of complications.

D. Treatment is needed for all clients who have a pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment. Regardless of the severity of symptoms or the client's hemodynamic stability, treatment is necessary to prevent complications and reduce the risk of recurrence. Treatment typically includes anticoagulant therapy to prevent further clot formation and may include additional interventions such as thrombolytic therapy or surgical interventions in certain cases.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Lower oxygen saturations of 93% to 94%

In an older adult client with a pneumothorax, the nurse could expect to observe lower oxygen saturations of 93% to 94%. A pneumothorax involves the accumulation of air in the pleural space, which can compress the lung and impair gas exchange, leading to hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). Decreased oxygen saturations would be a common finding in this condition.

B. Higher oxygen saturations of 98% to 99%

Higher oxygen saturations would be less likely in a client with a pneumothorax due to impaired gas exchange resulting from lung compression. Oxygen saturations are more likely to be lower in this condition, as indicated in option A.

C. Lower energy expenditure

While a pneumothorax may cause discomfort and dyspnea, which could potentially decrease energy expenditure due to reduced activity levels, it is not a direct physiological effect of the condition. Energy expenditure would depend on various factors, including the severity of symptoms and the individual's overall health status.

D. Increased lung capacity

A pneumothorax typically results in a decrease in lung capacity rather than an increase. The accumulation of air in the pleural space causes partial or complete collapse of the affected lung, reducing its ability to expand and decreasing overall lung capacity. Therefore, increased lung capacity would not be expected in a client with a pneumothorax.

A. Facial flushing B. Increasing dyspnea C. Decreasing respiratory rate D. Dry cough

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Facial flushing

Facial flushing is not typically associated with atelectasis. Instead, it may occur in conditions such as oxygen toxicity or fever.

B. Increasing dyspnea

Atelectasis is a condition characterized by the collapse or partial collapse of a portion of the lung. Common findings in a client with atelectasis include increasing dyspnea (shortness of breath) due to impaired gas exchange and reduced lung function. As the affected lung tissue collapses, ventilation and oxygenation are compromised, leading to difficulty breathing.

C. Decreasing respiratory rate

A decreasing respiratory rate is not typically observed in a client with atelectasis. Instead, respiratory rate may increase as the body attempts to compensate for the impaired gas exchange and oxygenation resulting from lung collapse.

D. Dry cough

While coughing is a common symptom of atelectasis, it is typically associated with a productive cough rather than a dry cough. A dry cough is more commonly associated with conditions such as viral respiratory infections or allergic reactions. In atelectasis, the cough may be productive as the body attempts to clear mucus or other secretions from the affected airways.

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A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client who presents with a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following information should the nurse provide?

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