A nurse is educating a client about the risk factors for pulmonary embolism. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the risk factors?

A) Incorrect. Mild shortness of breath during activities may not be unusual, but sudden or severe shortness of breath should be reported.

B) Correct. Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing may indicate a worsening of the pulmonary embolism and should be reported immediately.

C) Incorrect. Mild swelling in the ankles is not typically a sign of a pulmonary embolism. However, severe leg swelling or pain should be evaluated.

D) Incorrect. An occasional cough with clear sputum is not necessarily a sign of a pulmonary embolism. However, if the cough becomes severe or is associated with other symptoms, it should be reported.

A) Incorrect. Hemoptysis refers to coughing up blood, which is not described in the client's symptoms.

B) Incorrect. Orthopnea is the inability to breathe comfortably when lying flat and is not the best description of the client's symptoms.

C) Incorrect. Syncope refers to fainting or loss of consciousness, which is not the primary symptom described.

D) Correct. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, along with lightheadedness and rapid heart rate, is a common presentation of pulmonary embolism.