A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. Which symptom reported by the client is most indicative of this condition?
Fatigue and generalized weakness
Persistent dry cough and sore throat
Sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breaths
Increased appetite and weight gain
The Correct Answer is C
A) Incorrect. Fatigue and weakness can be nonspecific symptoms and are not specific to pulmonary embolism.
B) Incorrect. While cough and sore throat can be symptoms of respiratory conditions, they are not specific to pulmonary embolism.
C) Correct. Sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, known as pleuritic chest pain, is a classic symptom of pulmonary embolism.
D) Incorrect. Increased appetite and weight gain are not typically associated with pulmonary embolism and may suggest other conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during expiration and is not associated with crackling sounds.
B) Incorrect. Rhonchi are continuous low-pitched sounds heard during both inspiration and expiration, usually due to airway obstruction.
C) Incorrect. Stridor is a high-pitched, crowing sound that occurs during inspiration and suggests upper airway obstruction.
D) 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.
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