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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect- Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to treat conditions such as edema and hypertension. It does not directly relate to the client's history of gout or the risk of calcium kidney stones.
B) Incorrect- Low-dose aspirin is often used for its antiplatelet effects to prevent cardiovascular events. It does not directly relate to the client's history of gout or the risk of calcium kidney stones.
C) Correct- Allopurinol is a medication used to treat gout by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. However, allopurinol can also increase the risk of forming calcium oxalate kidney stones, which is the type of kidney stone mentioned in the client's history. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone, and they are composed primarily of calcium and oxalate. In this case, the client has a history of gout and is prescribed allopurinol. The nurse should bring the client's prescription for allopurinol to the healthcare provider's attention because

it has the potential to contribute to the formation of kidney stones, which could exacerbate the client's existing condition.
D) Incorrect- Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension and heart failure. It does not directly relate to the client's history of gout or the risk of calcium kidney stones.

A. Bilateral diffuse wheezing. B. Shortness of breath on exertion. C. Temperature of 100.5 °F (38.1 °C). D. Yellow expectorated sputum.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Shortness of breath on exertion in a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia indicates increased respiratory distress and compromised lung function. It suggests that the client is experiencing difficulty breathing even with minimal physical exertion. This finding may indicate worsening respiratory status, increased oxygen demand, and inadequate oxygenation. The nurse should take immediate action to address the shortness of breath, which may involve providing supplemental oxygen, initiating or adjusting bronchodilator medications, and monitoring the client's respiratory status closely. Prompt intervention is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent respiratory failure.

While the other assessment findings (bilateral diffuse wheezing, temperature of 100.5 °F, and yellow expectorated sputum) are also important and require attention, the shortness of breath on exertion poses the greatest immediate risk and necessitates immediate intervention to address the client's respiratory distress.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client diagnosed with calcium kidney stones has a history of gout. A new prescription for aluminum hydroxide is scheduled to begin at 0730. Which client medication should the nurse bring to the healthcare provider's attention?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with pneumonia. Vital signs include: heart rate 122 beats/minute, respiratory rate 28 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 170/90 mmHg. Which assessment finding warrants the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client who is having gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties is undergoing diagnostic procedures. The client asks the nurse about the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Which information should the nurse offer?

The nurse implements a primary prevention program for sexually transmitted diseases in a nurse-managed health center. Which outcome Indicates that the program was effective?

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?

The nurse is preparing a client who had a below-the-knee (BKA) amputation for discharge to home. Which recommendation(s) should the nurse provide this client? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse is managing the care of a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which intervention(s) should the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.)

Exhibits here What should the nurse include in pre-discharge education for this child's parents? Select all that apply.

The nurse is caring for a client with pulmonary edema who is short of breath and coughing pink tinged sputum. Which position should the nurse place the client to ease respiratory distress?

A client who is receiving zidovudine reports the appearance of pinpoint, red, round spots on the skin. Which result should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?