After having a pulmonary angiogram, a client is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?
Administer IV opioids as needed for pain.
Teach how to use incentive spirometry.
Monitor for confusion and restlessness.
Observe for signs of increased bleeding.
The Correct Answer is D
A. While pain management is important, it is not the most critical intervention compared to monitoring for bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
B. Teaching the client how to use incentive spirometry is important for improving lung function and preventing complications like atelectasis. However, in the context of a pulmonary embolism (PE), the immediate priority is to monitor for signs of increased bleeding due to the anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy often used to treat PE. This is crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
C. Confusion and restlessness could indicate hypoxia, which is important to monitor in a PE patient. However, the immediate risk of bleeding due to anticoagulation therapy takes precedence.
D. Patients with a pulmonary embolism are typically treated with thrombolytic or anticoagulant therapy to prevent further clot formation and to help dissolve the existing clot. Anticoagulants significantly increase the risk of bleeding, making it crucial to monitor for signs of increased bleeding as a priority in the plan of care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The presence of purulent drainage at the wound indicates a potential infection, and monitoring the client's WBC count is an important laboratory value to assess for signs of infection. An elevated WBC count, specifically an increase in the neutrophil count (neutrophilia), can indicate an active infection and provide important information for the healthcare provider when evaluating the wound.
While hematocrit, platelet count, and creatinine level are essential laboratory values to assess the client's overall condition, they may not provide specific information regarding the presence of infection or purulent drainage at the wound site.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect- While repeating information can be helpful, it might not address the specific needs of a client with unilateral hearing loss. Simply repeating information may not improve comprehension if the client's hearing loss is in one ear.
B) Correct- Providing education for a client with unilateral hearing loss requires consideration of their specific communication needs. Writing information on a whiteboard allows the client to visually process the information, which can be particularly helpful for those with hearing loss in one ear. This method ensures that the client can access the information accurately and effectively.
C) Incorrect- Speaking loudly into the affected ear is not a recommended approach. It can be uncomfortable for the client and may not necessarily improve communication if the hearing loss is unilateral.
D) Incorrect- While speaking directly facing the client is a good practice in general, it may not fully address the communication challenges of someone with unilateral hearing loss. Providing visual information through writing is a more effective way to ensure the client receives the information accurately.
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