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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Prolonged sitting during travel, especially on long flights, can increase the risk of pulmonary embolism due to immobility.
B) Incorrect. Long-term anticoagulant therapy is often prescribed to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism, not increase it.
C) Correct. Prolonged immobility, such as sitting for long hours or bed rest, is a significant risk factor for pulmonary embolism.
D) Incorrect. Recent surgery, trauma, or hospitalization can increase the risk of developing pulmonary embolism due to factors such as immobility and altered blood clotting.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Visualizing the heart's electrical activity is typically done with an electrocardiogram (ECG), not a V/Q scan.
B) Correct. A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is used to assess lung function and oxygenation and to detect areas of the lung where blood flow and air ventilation do not match, which can indicate a pulmonary embolism.
C) Incorrect. Measuring blood clotting time is typically done using coagulation tests such as prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
D) Incorrect. Evaluating kidney function is not the primary purpose of a V/Q scan.
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