The nurse is caring for a client with a suspected pulmonary embolism. Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A reason: Monitoring daily urine output assesses kidney function and fluid balance, as urine volume reflects hydration and electrolyte homeostasis. Inadequate output signals dehydration or renal issues, allowing timely intervention to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, making it the most effective nursing action.

Choice B reason: Salt tablets after exercise replace sodium lost in sweat but are not a universal intervention for fluid and electrolyte balance. They risk hypernatremia if overused. Monitoring urine output is more comprehensive, as it directly evaluates fluid status across various clinical scenarios.

Choice C reason: Reviewing food labels for sodium content helps manage dietary intake but is indirect and patient-dependent. Urine output monitoring provides objective data on fluid and electrolyte status, enabling timely adjustments in therapy, making it a more immediate and reliable intervention.

Choice D reason: Drinking water when thirsty supports hydration but relies on subjective thirst, which may be impaired in certain conditions. Monitoring urine output objectively assesses fluid balance, detecting imbalances early, making it a more proactive and precise intervention than thirst-driven hydration.

Choice A reason: Open-angle glaucoma involves chronic optic nerve damage due to impaired aqueous humor drainage, not a reversible “angle” change. Medications reduce intraocular pressure but cannot restore anatomical angles. This response is inaccurate, as the condition requires lifelong management to prevent further nerve damage and vision loss.

Choice B reason: Open-angle glaucoma requires lifelong medication to maintain normal intraocular pressure, preventing optic nerve damage. Medications like prostaglandin analogs or beta-blockers enhance aqueous humor outflow or reduce production, controlling pressure long-term. This is the accurate response, as sustained pressure management is essential to preserve vision in chronic glaucoma.

Choice C reason: Reducing excess pressure is a goal of glaucoma treatment, but open-angle glaucoma is chronic, requiring ongoing medication even after pressure is lowered. This response is incomplete, as it suggests a temporary treatment, whereas lifelong therapy is needed to prevent pressure spikes and progressive optic nerve damage.

Choice D reason: Open-angle glaucoma is typically painless and not associated with swelling. Medications target intraocular pressure, not pain or inflammation. This response is inaccurate, as it misaligns with the pathophysiology of glaucoma, which involves optic nerve damage from pressure, not inflammatory or painful symptoms.