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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Fibromyalgia can indeed be associated with migraine headaches. Many individuals with fibromyalgia report experiencing headaches, and migraines are a common comorbidity. The exact link between fibromyalgia and migraines is not fully understood, but it is believed that the same abnormalities in neurotransmitter levels that contribute to fibromyalgia pain may also predispose individuals to migraines¹².
Choice B reason : The statement "Fibromyalgia causes joint inflammation" is incorrect and indicates a need for further teaching. Fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation within the joints. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas, but it does not involve the type of joint inflammation seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis¹². This misconception may arise because the symptoms can be similar to those of arthritic conditions, but the underlying mechanisms are different.
Choice C reason : Fibromyalgia may indeed cause chest pain, which is often referred to as costochondritis when it involves the cartilage of the rib cage. This chest pain can mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions, but it is actually a common symptom of fibromyalgia and is related to the tender points in the chest area¹².
Choice D reason : It is true that fibromyalgia symptoms may worsen depending on the weather. Many patients report that their symptoms flare up in response to changes in weather, temperature, and humidity. However, the reasons for this sensitivity are not entirely clear, and research on the subject has produced mixed results¹².
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason : A nagging cough can be a warning sign of cancer, particularly lung cancer. If a cough persists for weeks or longer, especially if it's accompanied by blood or sputum, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Persistent coughing can also be symptomatic of laryngeal or thyroid cancer¹.
Choice B reason : A nonhealing sore that persists for more than a few weeks can be a sign of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma. It's also a common sign of oral cancer, especially in individuals who use tobacco or consume excessive alcohol¹.
Choice C reason : A change in moles or other skin lesions can be an early indication of skin cancer. The ABCDE rule is a guide to the usual signs of melanoma, looking for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color changes, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving size, shape or color².
Choice D reason : While bloating can be caused by many benign conditions, persistent bloating that doesn't go away can be a sign of ovarian or other types of abdominal cancers. It's important to consider this symptom in conjunction with other signs and symptoms¹.
Choice E reason : A change in bowel pattern, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, can indicate colorectal cancer. Any significant changes in bowel habits that do not resolve over time warrant medical evaluation¹.
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