A patient presents with severe chest pain and shortness of breath and is diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. The embolism most likely originated from the:
Superficial veins of the arm.
Left ventricle.
Deep veins of the leg.
Systemic arteries.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: The superficial veins of the arm are not a common source of emboli that cause pulmonary embolism. While blood clots can form in the superficial veins, they are less likely to travel to the lungs compared to clots formed in the deep veins of the legs.
Choice B reason: Emboli originating from the left ventricle typically travel to systemic circulation, potentially causing strokes or other systemic embolic events, rather than pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism results from a clot traveling to the pulmonary arteries, which is more likely to originate from the venous system, specifically the deep veins.
Choice C reason: Deep veins of the leg, such as those in the calf and thigh, are the most common source of emboli that cause pulmonary embolism. Blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can form in these veins and dislodge, traveling through the venous system and the right side of the heart to the pulmonary arteries. This can result in a pulmonary embolism, causing symptoms such as severe chest pain and shortness of breath.
Choice D reason: Systemic arteries do not typically lead to pulmonary embolism, as emboli from these arteries would travel to various parts of the systemic circulation, not the pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary embolism is primarily associated with emboli originating from the venous system, particularly the deep veins of the legs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Nonadherence to the antiviral regimen could lead to a resurgence of HIV symptoms and a higher viral load, but it is not typically associated with the symptoms of increased hunger, thirst, and frequent urination described by the patient.
Choice B reason: Pancreatic infiltration by HIV is a rare complication and would not be the first suspicion in this scenario. While HIV can affect multiple organs, the symptoms described are more suggestive of metabolic issues rather than direct infiltration of the pancreas.
Choice C reason: An allergic reaction to the medication would more likely present with symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing rather than the metabolic symptoms described. Allergic reactions typically do not cause increased hunger, thirst, or frequent urination.
Choice D reason: Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) is the most likely cause of the symptoms described. Protease inhibitors can lead to metabolic side effects, including insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased hunger (polyphagia), increased thirst (polydipsia), and frequent urination (polyuria). These findings are consistent with the patient's complaints and should be investigated further to manage the side effects of the medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Bronchoconstriction refers to the narrowing of the airways in the lungs due to the contraction of the surrounding smooth muscle. This condition is typically associated with asthma or allergic reactions and is not directly related to Virchow's triad, which concerns factors leading to thrombosis (formation of blood clots).
Choice B reason: Pulmonary embolus is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis). Virchow's triad describes the three primary factors that predispose individuals to thrombosis: hypercoagulability (increased tendency of blood to clot), stasis of blood flow, and endothelial injury (damage to the blood vessel wall). These factors contribute to the formation of blood clots, which can ultimately result in a pulmonary embolus if they dislodge and travel to the lungs.
Choice C reason: Decreased pulmonary arterial pressure is not a consequence of the factors described in Virchow's triad. In fact, a pulmonary embolus can lead to increased pulmonary arterial pressure due to the obstruction of blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, which can strain the right side of the heart and lead to complications.
Choice D reason: Alveolar collapse, also known as atelectasis, occurs when the tiny air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) deflate or fill with fluid. This condition is typically due to reasons such as airway obstruction, surfactant deficiency, or lung compression, and is not directly related to the formation of blood clots described by Virchow's triad.
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