A patient has been diagnosed with an empyema. What does the healthcare professional tell the patient about this condition?

We will have to drain the pus out of your pleural space

These blebs in your lungs can rupture with exercise

You will be given a long course of antiviral medication

We will watch you for respiratory muscle fatigue

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. We will have to drain the pus out of your pleural space: An empyema is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the pleural space, typically due to infection or inflammation. The primary treatment often involves draining the infected fluid to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying infection, making this statement accurate and appropriate for the patient.

B. These blebs in your lungs can rupture with exercise: This statement is not applicable to empyema. Blebs are associated with conditions like pulmonary bullae or emphysema, not empyema. Empyema specifically refers to pus in the pleural space, not blebs in the lungs.

C. You will be given a long course of antiviral medication: Antiviral medication is not typically indicated for empyema, as it is often caused by bacterial infections. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and drainage rather than antiviral therapy.

D. We will watch you for respiratory muscle fatigue: While monitoring for respiratory status is important in any patient with empyema, this statement does not specifically address the nature of empyema or its treatment. The focus should be on managing the infection and drainage of the pleural space.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Vernelli's triad; Venous stasis; Hypercoagulable states; Venous intimal damage: Vernelli's triad is not a recognized term in thrombus formation. Venous stasis, hypercoagulable states, and venous intimal damage are relevant factors, but the correct terminology is Virchow's triad.

B. Vernelli's triad: Hyperlipidemia; hypercoagulable states, venous stasis: This option inaccurately references Vernelli's triad and includes hyperlipidemia, which is not one of the classic factors associated with thrombus formation. The correct factors should be named according to Virchow's triad.

C. Virchow's triad; Hyperlipidemia, Hypercoagulable states, positive D-dimer: Although Virchow's triad is correctly identified, hyperlipidemia and positive D-dimer are not part of the classic factors involved in thrombus formation. The classic factors are venous stasis, hypercoagulable states, and venous intimal damage.

D. Virchow triad; Venous stasis; Venous intimal damage; Hypercoagulable states: This option accurately identifies Virchow's triad and lists the three key factors involved in thrombus formation: venous stasis, venous intimal damage, and hypercoagulable states.

A. Assist with a chest tube insertion B. Give the patient low-flow oxygen C. Assess for clubbing of fingernails D. Draw arterial gases

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Assist with a chest tube insertion: A gunshot wound to the chest with a one-way valve pleural rupture indicates a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition. Air enters the pleural space with each breath but cannot escape, leading to increased intrathoracic pressure, lung collapse, and mediastinal shift, which can compromise venous return and cardiac output. Immediate chest tube insertion or needle decompression is necessary to relieve pressure and restore normal lung function.

B. Give the patient low-flow oxygen: Oxygen therapy may help improve oxygenation, but it does not address the underlying issue of trapped air causing intrathoracic pressure buildup. Without intervention to release the trapped air, respiratory distress and cardiovascular collapse can occur.

C. Assess for clubbing of fingernails: Clubbing is a sign of chronic hypoxia seen in long-term respiratory diseases but is not relevant in the acute management of a tension pneumothorax. The priority is to relieve the trapped air and restore normal lung expansion.

D. Draw arterial gases: While arterial blood gases can help assess oxygenation and ventilation status, they do not treat the underlying tension pneumothorax. Immediate decompression is required before diagnostic tests to prevent rapid deterioration and potential cardiac arrest.

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A patient has been diagnosed with an empyema. What does the healthcare professional tell the patient about this condition?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

There are three key factors involved in the formation of a thrombus. What are these factors and what are they called?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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