A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. Which new-onset assessment finding should a nurse expect in a client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism?
Tachypnea.
Wet cough.
Dull chest pain.
Episodes of apnea.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Tachypnea: Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is a common symptom of pulmonary embolism. It occurs as the body attempts to compensate for decreased oxygenation and increased carbon dioxide levels resulting from impaired blood flow to the lungs. Tachypnea helps to improve gas exchange by increasing ventilation.
B. Wet cough: A wet or productive cough may occur in conditions such as pneumonia or chronic bronchitis but is not typically associated with pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is more commonly characterized by symptoms such as dyspnea, chest pain, and tachypnea.
C. Dull chest pain: Chest pain associated with pulmonary embolism is often sharp and pleuritic, meaning it worsens with deep breathing or coughing. It may be described as stabbing or like a "knife-like" sensation. Dull chest pain is not a typical finding in pulmonary embolism.
D. Episodes of apnea: While severe cases of pulmonary embolism can lead to respiratory failure and apnea, it is not a common presenting symptom. Most clients with pulmonary embolism will exhibit tachypnea as a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate oxygenation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Give the client a low sodium diet: SIADH causes retention of water and dilutional hyponatremia. Therefore, restricting sodium intake can help prevent further fluid retention and worsening of hyponatremia.
B. Monitor for serum electrolyte imbalances: SIADH can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia. Monitoring electrolyte levels, especially sodium, is essential for early detection and intervention.
C. Obtain daily weights: Monitoring daily weights is crucial for assessing fluid balance and detecting changes in hydration status, which is essential in clients with SIADH.
D. Educate the client on techniques to cope with thirst: Clients with SIADH often experience excessive thirst due to the body's inability to excrete excess water. Educating the client on strategies to manage thirst, such as chewing gum or sucking on ice chips, can help improve comfort.
E. Increase IV fluids: This option is incorrect because SIADH is characterized by water retention, so increasing IV fluids would exacerbate the condition and worsen hyponatremia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Empty the drainage from the pleuravac at the end of each shift: This is not a standard practice. Chest tube drainage systems typically have a built-in mechanism to handle drainage, and monitoring and recording the output is essential.
B. Report serosanguinous drainage in the pleuravac: Serosanguinous drainage (a mix of blood and serous fluid) can be expected in a hemothorax, especially initially. Reporting is necessary if there are significant changes in the amount or type of drainage.
C. Milk the chest tube every 4 hours to dislodge clotted blood: Milking or stripping the chest tube is generally not recommended as it can create high negative pressures that can damage lung tissue.
D. Assist with coughing and deep breathing exercises every hour: Encouraging coughing and deep breathing helps prevent atelectasis and promotes lung expansion, which is crucial for recovery from a hemothorax.
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