After having a pulmonary angiogram, a client is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

Administer IV opioids as needed for pain.

Teach how to use incentive spirometry.

Monitor for confusion and restlessness.

Observe for signs of increased bleeding.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. While pain management is important, it is not the most critical intervention compared to monitoring for bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

B. Teaching the client how to use incentive spirometry is important for improving lung function and preventing complications like atelectasis. However, in the context of a pulmonary embolism (PE), the immediate priority is to monitor for signs of increased bleeding due to the anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy often used to treat PE. This is crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

C. Confusion and restlessness could indicate hypoxia, which is important to monitor in a PE patient. However, the immediate risk of bleeding due to anticoagulation therapy takes precedence.

D. Patients with a pulmonary embolism are typically treated with thrombolytic or anticoagulant therapy to prevent further clot formation and to help dissolve the existing clot. Anticoagulants significantly increase the risk of bleeding, making it crucial to monitor for signs of increased bleeding as a priority in the plan of care.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The client's history of lung cancer, persistent hoarseness, chronic cough, and labored respirations when speaking indicate potential respiratory complications. Coarse breath sounds may suggest the presence of airway obstruction or fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can be indicative of a worsening condition.

The nurse should intervene promptly by assessing the client's respiratory status further, providing appropriate respiratory support, and notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.

A. Arrange for unlicensed assistive personnel to assist the PN during the procedure. B. Acknowledge that the PN has positioned the client safely and correctly. C. Assume care of the client and assign the PN to the care of a different client. D. Demonstrate to the PN how to position the client more effectively for the procedure.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Demonstrate to the PN how to position the client more effectively for the procedure.

Choice A rationale:

Arranging for unlicensed assistive personnel to assist the PN during the procedure does not address the incorrect positioning of the client. The priority is to ensure the client is positioned correctly for the sigmoidoscopy, which is typically on the left side with knees drawn toward the chest.

Choice B rationale:

Acknowledging that the PN has positioned the client safely and correctly is not appropriate because the flat prone position is incorrect for a sigmoidoscopy. The correct position is on the left side with knees drawn toward the chest.

Choice C rationale:

Assuming care of the client and assigning the PN to the care of a different client does not address the educational opportunity. It is important to demonstrate the correct positioning to the PN to ensure proper care in future procedures.

Choice D rationale:

Demonstrating to the PN how to position the client more effectively for the procedure is the correct action. This ensures the client is in the proper position for the sigmoidoscopy and provides an educational opportunity for the PN.

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After having a pulmonary angiogram, a client is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with a history of lung cancer reluctantly comes to the clinic because of persistent hoarseness and a chronic cough. The client's respirations are labored when speaking and the capillary refill is 3 seconds. Which additional finding warrants intervention by the nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is setting up the equipment to assist with a sigmoidoscopy while the practical nurse (PN) positions the client in a flat prone position. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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