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A patient is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following treatments should the nurse anticipate?

A.

Initiation of a high-sodium diet

B.

Application of a cast to the affected limb

C.

Administration of anticoagulant therapy

D.

Administration of bronchodilators

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Initiation of a high-sodium diet. A high-sodium diet is not indicated in pulmonary embolism management; it could worsen fluid retention and cardiovascular strain.

B. Application of a cast to the affected limb. Casting is not appropriate for pulmonary embolism, as it is not an orthopedic injury. Immobilization could increase the risk of further clot formation.

C. Administration of anticoagulant therapy. Anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin or warfarin, is the primary treatment for pulmonary embolism to prevent further clot formation and allow the body to dissolve the clot.

D. Administration of bronchodilators. Bronchodilators may alleviate respiratory symptoms but do not treat the underlying clot in pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulation remains the primary treatment.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A,B"},"B":{"answers":"A,B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A,B"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"B"},"G":{"answers":"A,B"}}

Explanation

Polyuria/Polydipsia:

  • Supports both DKA and HHS as both conditions typically exhibit severe dehydration and excessive thirst and urination.

Heart Rate (tachycardia):

  • Consistent with both DKA and HHS due to dehydration and fluid shifts, though heart rate alone does not differentiate the two.

Respirations (Kussmaul's):

  • Suggests DKA; deep, labored Kussmaul respirations typically help compensate for metabolic acidosis, which is characteristic of DKA.

Mental Status (confusion, lethargy):

  • More common in HHS, where very high glucose and osmolality levels often lead to more profound neurologic changes. Can also occur in DKA.

Serum Glucose >600 mg/dL and Serum Osmolality >320 mOsm/kg:

  • Consistent with both DKA and HHS, though more frequently seen in HHS given the higher osmolality. In DKA, serum glucose usually elevated but often lower than in HHS. Osmolality may be increased but not as high as in HHS.

Insidious onset (days to weeks):

  • Suggests HHS, as it often has a slower onset than DKA, which typically presents more acutely.

Infection as precipitating factor:

  • Could support either condition as infections can precipitate both DKA and HHS.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Stroke: The sudden onset of one-sided weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, and severe headache are classic symptoms of an acute stroke, where blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, leading to neurological deficits.

B. Migraine: While migraines can cause headache and some neurological symptoms, they usually include visual disturbances, nausea, or photophobia rather than one-sided weakness and numbness.

C. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia can cause confusion, weakness, and headache, but it typically lacks the focal neurological symptoms, like one-sided weakness and numbness.

D. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA can cause similar symptoms, but the deficits are usually transient and resolve within 24 hours without lasting neurological damage. Persistent symptoms are more indicative of a stroke.

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