A nurse is explaining to a client why pulmonary embolism is considered a life-threatening condition. What aspect of pulmonary embolism should the nurse emphasize?
"Pulmonary embolism primarily affects the heart, leading to heart failure."
"It causes severe inflammation in the lungs, making breathing difficult."
"Pulmonary embolism disrupts blood flow to the lungs and can be fatal."
"It results in the collapse of the bronchial tubes, hindering airflow."
The Correct Answer is C
A) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can strain the heart, it is primarily a result of disrupted blood flow to the lungs, not heart failure.
B) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can impact lung function, it does so through blocked blood flow rather than severe inflammation.
C) Correct. The most critical aspect of pulmonary embolism is the blockage of blood flow to the lungs, which can lead to severe oxygen deprivation and be fatal.
D) Incorrect. The collapse of bronchial tubes is not a characteristic of pulmonary embolism.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Chest X-rays can show certain abnormalities but are not the primary diagnostic tool for pulmonary embolism.
B) Incorrect. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are used to assess heart rhythm and electrical activity but are not used to diagnose pulmonary embolism.
C) Incorrect. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used in some cases, but CTPA is the preferred test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
D) Correct. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism as it can visualize blood clots in the pulmonary arteries.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Intravenous antibiotics are not typically used as the initial treatment for pulmonary embolism. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not blood clots.
B) Correct. Anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin, is often the initial treatment for pulmonary embolism to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of complications.
C) Incorrect. Emergency surgical removal of the embolism is considered in severe cases but is not the common initial treatment approach.
D) Incorrect. Placement of a chest tube for drainage is not a standard treatment for pulmonary embolism; it is used for conditions involving pleural effusion or pneumothorax.
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