A client with pulmonary embolism is experiencing severe shortness of breath. Which nursing intervention takes priority in this situation?

Administering pain medication

Initiating anticoagulant therapy

Providing supplemental oxygen

Encouraging ambulation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Incorrect. While pain management is important, providing supplemental oxygen to address severe shortness of breath takes priority.

B) Incorrect. Initiating anticoagulant therapy is essential but may take some time to have an effect. Oxygen therapy should be provided immediately to address the client's oxygenation.

C) Correct. Providing supplemental oxygen is the priority intervention for a client with severe

shortness of breath to ensure adequate oxygenation.

D) 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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can strain the heart, it is primarily a result of disrupted blood flow to the lungs, not heart failure.

B) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can impact lung function, it does so through blocked blood flow rather than severe inflammation.

C) Correct. The most critical aspect of pulmonary embolism is the blockage of blood flow to the lungs, which can lead to severe oxygen deprivation and be fatal.

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

A. "A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart." B. "It's a condition where the lungs become inflamed and lose their ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide." C. "A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery." D. "It's a disorder where the airways in the lungs become narrowed, making it difficult to breathe."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. This description is more related to coronary artery blockages, not pulmonary embolism.

B) Incorrect. This describes a different lung condition called pneumonia, not pulmonary embolism.

C) Correct. A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary arteries, typically caused by a blood clot traveling from elsewhere in the body.

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

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A client with pulmonary embolism is experiencing severe shortness of breath. Which nursing intervention takes priority in this situation?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is explaining to a client why pulmonary embolism is considered a life-threatening condition. What aspect of pulmonary embolism should the nurse emphasize?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is providing education to a client who has been diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. The client asks, "What exactly is a pulmonary embolism?" How should the nurse respond?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with pulmonary embolism is experiencing severe shortness of breath. Which nursing intervention takes priority in this situation?

A nurse is caring for a client with a pulmonary embolism who is receiving tissue plasminogen activator (tP therapy. What is the primary purpose of tPA in this situation?

A nurse is educating a client about the risk factors for pulmonary embolism. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the risk factors?

A client with a history of recurrent pulmonary embolism is prescribed long-term anticoagulant therapy. What medication is commonly used for long-term anticoagulation in this situation?

A nurse is caring for a client with suspected pulmonary embolism who is undergoing diagnostic testing. What diagnostic test is often used as an initial screening tool for pulmonary embolism?

A nurse is educating a client diagnosed with pulmonary embolism about the treatment options. Which of the following interventions is a common initial treatment approach for pulmonary embolism?

A client is undergoing an echocardiogram as part of the diagnostic workup for suspected pulmonary embolism. What information can an echocardiogram provide in this context?

A nurse is teaching a client about the risk factors for pulmonary embolism. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the risk factors?