A nurse is analyzing test results for a client who has a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates a moderate to large pulmonary embolism and the possibility of death?

Tachycardia

Pleural effusion

Respiratory alkalosis

Increased troponin levels

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Tachycardia: Tachycardia is a common early sign of pulmonary embolism caused by hypoxia and sympathetic stimulation. However, it is nonspecific and not a direct indicator of embolism size or mortality risk.
B. Pleural effusion: A small pleural effusion can occur with a pulmonary embolism due to inflammation or infarction, but its presence does not correlate with embolism severity or predict outcomes such as death.
C. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is a typical response to hyperventilation in early PE. While common, it does not indicate the extent of the embolism or the risk of mortality and can be seen in mild cases.
D. Increased troponin levels: Elevated troponin indicates right ventricular strain or injury due to a moderate to large pulmonary embolism. This cardiac biomarker is associated with a higher risk of complications and death, signaling hemodynamic stress from the embolic event..

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Decreased cardiac output: In tension pneumothorax, intrathoracic pressure builds up and shifts mediastinal structures, including the trachea and heart. This pressure compresses the vena cava and heart, reducing venous return and ultimately decreasing cardiac output, which can lead to shock if untreated.
B. Dilated ventricles: Ventricular dilation is not a typical response to tension pneumothorax. In fact, the compression caused by increased pressure limits ventricular filling rather than causing dilation.
C. Respiratory alkalosis: Although initial hyperventilation may lead to respiratory alkalosis, it is not a direct or consistent result of tracheal deviation. The condition can progress to respiratory acidosis as ventilation is impaired.
D. Increased venous return: Venous return is actually decreased in tension pneumothorax due to compression of the great veins. This contributes to hypotension and impaired cardiac output, not an increase in venous return.

A. The elevated blood sugar from my diabetes can cause underlying nerve damage." B. "The older I get, there is less blood flowing to my feet." C. The nerves just go to sleep when I lie down because no message gets from my brain to the spinal cord." D. "The nerve damage may occur for unknown reasons in any individual.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "The elevated blood sugar from my diabetes can cause underlying nerve damage.": Chronic hyperglycemia leads to damage of small blood vessels that nourish peripheral nerves, resulting in nerve dysfunction and symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and burning pain, especially in the feet.
B. "The older I get, there is less blood flowing to my feet.": While aging can reduce circulation, diabetic neuropathy is primarily caused by elevated glucose levels damaging nerves, not just reduced blood flow from age alone.
C. "The nerves just go to sleep when I lie down because no message gets from my brain to the spinal cord.": Peripheral neuropathy is not due to disrupted communication between the brain and spinal cord but from damage to peripheral nerves caused by long-term hyperglycemia.
D. "The nerve damage may occur for unknown reasons in any individual.": Diabetic neuropathy has a clearly defined cause—persistent high blood sugar levels—making it distinct from idiopathic neuropathies, which have no known origin.

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A nurse is analyzing test results for a client who has a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates a moderate to large pulmonary embolism and the possibility of death?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has tension pneumothorax. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect following tracheal deviation?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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