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 C
Explanation
A. Isolation gown: Isolation gowns are used as part of contact precautions or airborne precautions for specific infectious diseases that require additional transmission-based precautions beyond standard precautions. However, standard precautions are generally sufficient for caring for clients with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy.
B. Contact isolation: Contact isolation is used for patients with known or suspected infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. HIV does not require contact isolation unless there are additional infections or conditions present that warrant contact precautions.
C. Standard precautions: Standard precautions are the basic infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of the suspected or confirmed infection status of the patient. This includes practices such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, gown, mask, eye protection) when indicated, and safe injection practices. Standard precautions should be used for all patients, including those with HIV, to prevent the transmission of infectious agents.
D. Respiratory isolation: Respiratory isolation is used for patients with known or suspected respiratory infections that are transmitted through respiratory droplets. HIV is not transmitted through respiratory droplets and does not require respiratory isolation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Respond to ventilator alarms: Responding to ventilator alarms is important but may not be the priority if the client is not spontaneously breathing.
B. Report the absence of spontaneous respirations: This is the priority action because the absence of spontaneous respirations may indicate inadequate ventilation or respiratory arrest, requiring immediate intervention.
C. Encourage the client to take spontaneous breaths: While encouraging spontaneous breaths is beneficial, it is not appropriate if the client is paralyzed due to neuromuscular blockade.
D. Place the call bell within reach: Ensuring the call bell is within reach is important for communication but may not be the priority if the client is not breathing spontaneously.
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