The nurse is caring for a client.
Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.
The client is most likely experiencing
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Rationale for correct choices
• Pulmonary embolism: The client exhibits sudden onset of dyspnea, chest discomfort, tachypnea, hypoxemia (oxygen saturation 92% on 2 L O₂), and appears in respiratory distress, all of which are classic signs of a pulmonary embolism. Postoperative orthopedic patients, especially after hip arthroplasty, are at high risk due to immobility, venous stasis, and hypercoagulability.
• Recent surgery: The client’s recent total hip arthroplasty increases the risk of thromboembolic events. Surgical procedures, particularly major orthopedic surgeries, create a hypercoagulable state and contribute to venous stasis, which can precipitate a pulmonary embolism.
Rationale for incorrect choices
• Pneumothorax: Pneumothorax typically presents with unilateral chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, and decreased or absent breath sounds on one side. The client’s crackles are bilateral and S3/S4 heart sounds are present, which are not consistent with pneumothorax.
• Pneumonia: Although the client has fever and crackles, the sudden onset of symptoms and acute respiratory distress are more consistent with pulmonary embolism rather than pneumonia, which usually develops gradually. Additionally, the timing shortly after surgery favors a thromboembolic event over an infectious process.
• Tobacco use: The client reports no history of tobacco use, making this an irrelevant risk factor for the current acute episode.
• Activity level: While immobility can contribute to thrombus formation, the client ambulated with assistance earlier, and the more significant risk factor remains recent surgery, which directly predisposes to pulmonary embolism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Slurred speech: Slurred speech is typically associated with intoxication from central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or opioids, rather than withdrawal. During withdrawal, the client is more likely to exhibit hyperactive or restless behavior.
B. Constricted pupils: Pupillary constriction (miosis) occurs with opioid intoxication. In contrast, opioid withdrawal usually causes dilated pupils (mydriasis) due to sympathetic nervous system overactivity.
C. Sedation: Sedation is a common effect of opioid use, not withdrawal. During withdrawal, clients are generally hyperalert, restless, and may experience insomnia rather than excessive sleepiness.
D. Yawning: Yawning is a classic sign of opioid withdrawal and reflects autonomic nervous system activation. It is often accompanied by lacrimation, rhinorrhea, sweating, and other early withdrawal symptoms.
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"A,B"}}
Explanation
Rationale for correct choices
• Blood pressure: The client’s blood pressure readings are consistently elevated (162/112 mm Hg and 166/110 mm Hg), which is a hallmark of preeclampsia. Hypertension arises from abnormal placental development leading to systemic vasoconstriction. Elevated blood pressure is a primary diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia and is more directly indicative of this condition than HELLP syndrome alone. HELLP may occur without hypertension.
• Hemoglobin: The client’s hemoglobin is mildly elevated at 18 g/dL with a hematocrit of 35%, suggesting hemoconcentration and potential microangiopathic hemolysis, a component of HELLP syndrome. While preeclampsia may cause mild hemoconcentration, hemolysis is a defining feature of HELLP. This reflects red blood cell destruction associated with this syndrome.
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): ALT is slightly elevated at 40 units/L, reflecting liver involvement. Liver enzyme elevation can occur in severe preeclampsia due to hepatic ischemia and in HELLP syndrome due to hepatocellular injury from hemolysis and microvascular obstruction. The finding supports involvement in both conditions.
• Platelet count: The platelet count is low at 98,000/mm³, which can result from platelet activation and consumption in both preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Thrombocytopenia is a hallmark of HELLP syndrome and may also develop in severe preeclampsia. This finding indicates increased risk for bleeding and warrants prompt intervention and monitoring.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.