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Clinical manifestations and symptoms

- The signs and symptoms of PE depend on:

  • the size and location of the clot
  • the extent of lung involvement
  • the presence of underlying heart or lung disease

- Some common manifestations include:

  • Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) or tachypnea (rapid breathing)
  • Chest pain that is sharp, pleuritic (worsens with breathing), or anginal (similar to a heart attack)
  • Cough or hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
  • Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) or palpitations
  • Syncope (fainting) or dizziness
  • Anxiety or restlessness
  • Cyanosis (bluish skin color) or diaphoresis (sweating)
  • Fever or hypothermia

Questions on Clinical manifestations and symptoms

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. This describes a characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. While a family history of clotting disorders can contribute to the risk, it is not a common risk factor discussed in the context of post-surgery pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. The collapse of bronchial tubes is not a characteristic of pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. While stress reduction is beneficial for overall health, it is not specifically linked to the prevention of pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Incorrect. Swelling and redness in the lower legs are more indicative of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can sometimes lead to pulmonary embolism but are not direct symptoms of pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Recent surgery, trauma, or hospitalization can increase the risk of developing pulmonary embolism due to factors such as immobility and altered blood clotting.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. Chronic inflammation in the airways is characteristic of conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but not pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. DVT is not a more severe form of pulmonary embolism; they are separate but related conditions.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Excessive fluid intake during recovery is not a primary risk factor for post-surgery pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Excessive mucus production is not a characteristic effect of pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Incorrect. Lifestyle factors, as well as medical conditions, can contribute to the risk of pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. While genetics can play a role in clotting disorders, surgery remains a significant risk factor for pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Age is one of many factors that contribute to the risk of pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. While genetics can play a role, other factors associated with pregnancy contribute to the risk of pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Both the duration and amount of smoking can impact pulmonary embolism risk.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Increased appetite and weight gain are not typically associated with pulmonary embolism and may suggest other conditions.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, along with lightheadedness and rapid heart rate, is a common presentation of pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct. Rales, also known as crackles, are crackling or popping sounds heard during inspiration and can be indicative of fluid or inflammation in the lungs, which can occur with pulmonary embolism.

Incorrect. Apathy refers to a lack of interest or emotion and does not describe the client's state of restlessness and fear.

Correct. Cyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and nail beds due to decreased oxygen saturation in the blood, which is indicative of a severe oxygen deficit often seen in pulmonary embolism.

Correct. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism as it can visualize blood clots in the pulmonary arteries.

Incorrect. Creatine kinase (CK) levels are used to assess muscle damage and are not a primary test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.

Incorrect. Evaluating kidney function is not the primary purpose of a V/Q scan.

Incorrect. Mild discomfort and chest pain are not common during pulmonary angiography and should not be expected. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, and any discomfort should be reported to the healthcare team.

Incorrect. Echocardiograms do not evaluate lung function and ventilation; they primarily assess cardiac function.

Incorrect. Placement of a chest tube for drainage is not a standard treatment for pulmonary embolism; it is used for conditions involving pleural effusion or pneumothorax.

Incorrect. Nitroglycerin is used to relieve chest pain (angina) related to heart conditions but is not an anticoagulant.

<p>Incorrect. tPA is not used to prevent the formation of new blood clots but rather to treat existing clots.</p>

Incorrect. Oxygen therapy is not used to lower blood pressure but rather to address oxygenation and tissue oxygen delivery.

Incorrect. Avoiding vaccinations is not relevant to the prevention of pulmonary embolism. Vaccinations are essential for preventing certain infections.

Incorrect. An occasional cough with clear sputum is not necessarily a sign of a pulmonary embolism. However, if the cough becomes severe or is associated with other symptoms, it should be reported.

Correct. Following the healthcare provider's recommendations for anticoagulant therapy is crucial in preventing recurrent pulmonary embolism, especially in individuals with a history of the condition.

Incorrect. Electrocardiogram (ECG) may help identify signs of right heart strain or dysfunction caused by a pulmonary embolism but is not a primary diagnostic tool for detecting emboli in the pulmonary arteries.

Incorrect. IVC filters are not used to deliver oxygen directly to the lungs but rather to prevent emboli from reaching the lungs.

Incorrect. Encouraging ambulation is not appropriate in a client with severe shortness of breath. Stabilizing the client's oxygenation and condition is the immediate concern.
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