A nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which of the following is the initial assessment finding in the client diagnosed with PE?

Dyspnea and anxiety.

Altered level of consciousness.

Wheezing in lung bases.

Increased pulse and respiratory rate.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
The initial assessment finding in a client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE) is typically dyspnea and anxiety. This is because a PE can block blood flow in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing (dyspnea). The sudden onset of this symptom can cause significant anxiety in the patient.
Choice B rationale
An altered level of consciousness is not typically an initial finding in PE. While severe cases can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, causing confusion or loss of consciousness, these are not usually initial symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Wheezing in lung bases is not a typical initial finding in PE. Wheezing is more commonly associated with conditions that cause narrowing of the airways, such as asthma or COPD12.
Choice D rationale
While an increased pulse and respiratory rate can occur in PE due to the body’s attempt to compensate for decreased oxygen in the blood, they are not the most specific initial findings. Dyspnea and anxiety are more characteristic initial symptoms of PE12.

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Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A PTT of 70 seconds (control 25-40) indicates that the patient’s blood is taking longer than normal to clot, which could increase the risk of bleeding. This could be a sign of excessive anticoagulation from the Heparin infusion.
Choice B rationale
Ecchymosis at the venipuncture site could be a sign of bleeding under the skin, which could indicate that the patient is receiving too much Heparin.
Choice C rationale
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, could be a sign of bleeding in the urinary tract, which could be a side effect of Heparin therapy.
Choice D rationale
If there is an order for Coumadin 2.5 mg to start today, the healthcare provider should be notified. Coumadin and Heparin are both anticoagulants, and using them together could increase the risk of bleeding.

A. Establish a benchmark to identify a standard of performance. B. Compare the number of medication errors before and after the implementation of the measures. C. Conduct a study on the time and cost implications of implementing the change. D. Provide a Questionnaire to the staff to quantify their satisfaction with the changes.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Establishing a benchmark to identify a standard of performance is a crucial step in any quality improvement process. It provides a reference point against which progress can be measured. However, it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented measures.
Choice B rationale
Comparing the number of medication errors before and after the implementation of the measures is the most direct and effective method to evaluate the success of the changes. This method provides quantitative data that can clearly show whether the measures have led to a reduction in medication errors.
Choice C rationale
Conducting a study on the time and cost implications of implementing the change can provide valuable information about the efficiency of the measures. However, it does not directly assess their effectiveness in reducing medication errors.
Choice D rationale
Providing a questionnaire to the staff to quantify their satisfaction with the changes can help to assess the acceptance of the measures among the staff. However, staff satisfaction does not necessarily correlate with the effectiveness of the measures in reducing medication errors.

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A nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which of the following is the initial assessment finding in the client diagnosed with PE?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism is receiving a continuous Heparin infusion. Which findings should prompt the nurse to notify the healthcare provider?

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

A nurse on a quality control committee is evaluating the effectiveness of recently implemented measures aimed at reducing medication errors. Which methods should the nurse use to evaluate the success of the changes?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is part of a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) committee tasked with developing a program to decrease medication administration errors following a sentinel event. Which strategy should the committee consider implementing first?

A clinic nurse is planning to teach a group of clients about laryngeal cancer. The nurse should include which of the following risk factors associated with the development of laryngeal cancer? Select all that apply.

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A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a patient diagnosed with progressive Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Which ABG results should the nurse expect for a patient with progressive COPD?

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A 65-year-old client with a history of diabetes mellitus was admitted to the hospital for a scheduled knee replacement surgery. During the postoperative period, the client developed a surgical site infection that required prolonged antibiotic therapy and wound care. This event is categorized as: