Which patient is most likely experiencing a pulmonary embolism (PE)?
A 40-year-old woman who came into the ER with a swollen, painful calf and now complains of chest pains and having trouble breathing, with tachycardia and tachypnea.
A 60-year-old man who is tired and has been in the med-surg unit for 3 days with AKI after taking IV antibiotics.
A 30-year-old man with a history of smoking and a sedentary lifestyle who had an appendectomy 1 day ago and is refusing to ambulate or wear compression stockings.
A 55-year-old woman who came into the ER with chest pains, shortness of breath, nausea, tachypnea, and radiating jaw pain.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason : The symptoms described for the 40-year-old woman align closely with the clinical presentation of a pulmonary embolism. Swelling and pain in the calf may indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to PE. The presence of chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and rapid breathing (tachypnea) are hallmark signs of PE³⁴.
Choice B reason : While the 60-year-old man is experiencing fatigue, which can be a symptom of many conditions, there is no direct indication of PE. Acute kidney injury (AKI) after IV antibiotics suggests a different pathophysiology unrelated to PE.
Choice C reason : The 30-year-old man's refusal to ambulate or wear compression stockings after surgery increases his risk for DVT and subsequently PE; however, he does not currently exhibit symptoms that are as indicative of PE as the 40-year-old woman.
Choice D reason : The 55-year-old woman's symptoms could suggest a cardiac event, such as a heart attack, especially with the radiating jaw pain. While PE can present with similar symptoms, the radiating pain is more characteristic of cardiac issues³.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Cleaning dentures in a denture cup is a standard hygiene practice but does not directly address the low WBC count. While maintaining oral hygiene is important, it is not the most critical action related to the client's immunocompromised state⁶.
Choice B reason : Replacing the water in flower vases daily is a good practice to prevent bacterial growth; however, it is recommended to avoid having flowers or plants in the room of an immunocompromised patient due to the risk of exposure to fungi and bacteria⁷.
Choice C reason : Humidifying the room can be beneficial for respiratory comfort, but it must be done with caution in immunocompromised patients. Humidifiers need to be kept clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, which could be harmful to a patient with a low WBC count⁷.
Choice D reason : Serving cooked fruit with meals is the correct action because cooking fruit can eliminate potential pathogens that the client's compromised immune system may not be able to handle. Raw fruits and vegetables can harbor bacteria and other pathogens, so serving them cooked is a safer option for someone with a low WBC count⁶⁷.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason : A sore throat is a common side effect of radiation therapy to the neck area, particularly for cancer of the larynx. The radiation can cause inflammation and irritation of the throat and laryngeal tissues, leading to pain and discomfort when swallowing¹⁵. This side effect can be managed with pain relief medications and dietary adjustments to include softer foods and liquids.
Choice B reason : Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when radiation damages the salivary glands, reducing saliva production. This can lead to difficulties in speaking, tasting, chewing, and swallowing, as well as an increased risk of dental problems¹³. Patients undergoing radiation therapy are often advised to stay hydrated and may be prescribed saliva substitutes or stimulants.
Choice C reason : Radiation to the neck might damage the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. Symptoms of thyroid problems due to radiation can include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and having dry skin or hair³. Regular monitoring of thyroid function is recommended for patients who have received radiation therapy in the neck area.
Choice D reason : Lymphedema is swelling that can occur when radiation therapy affects the lymph nodes and vessels, impeding the flow of lymph fluid. In the context of neck radiation, this can lead to swelling in the neck and face³. Management includes physical therapy, compression garments, and careful skin care to prevent infection.
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