The nurse is assessing a patient who has a pulmonary embolism.
Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to find?
Hypertension.
Tachycardia.
Petechiae.
Bradypnea.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Hypertension is not a typical finding in a patient with a pulmonary embolism. The body's response to a significant blockage in the pulmonary arteries is often a decrease in cardiac output due to increased right ventricular afterload. This can lead to a compensatory drop in systemic blood pressure, resulting in hypotension rather than hypertension. Hypertension is a less common finding and usually occurs only with very small emboli.
Choice B rationale
Tachycardia is a very common and expected manifestation of a pulmonary embolism. The embolism causes a ventilation-perfusion mismatch and hypoxemia. The body compensates for the reduced oxygenation by increasing the heart rate to improve cardiac output and oxygen delivery to the tissues. Additionally, the release of inflammatory mediators and catecholamines in response to the physiological stress also contributes to an elevated heart rate.
Choice C rationale
Petechiae are small, pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin. They are typically associated with disorders of platelet function, such as thrombocytopenia, or small vessel vasculitis. They are not a direct manifestation of a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is a thrombotic event within the pulmonary arteries and does not cause a systemic microvascular hemorrhage that would present as petechiae on the skin.
Choice D rationale
Bradypnea, or an abnormally slow respiratory rate, is not an expected finding in a patient with a pulmonary embolism. The hypoxemia and physiological stress caused by the embolism trigger a compensatory increase in the respiratory rate to improve oxygen intake. The patient will likely present with tachypnea, a rapid respiratory rate (normal range is 12-20 breaths/min), as they struggle to overcome the respiratory compromise and ventilate adequately. ---.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Fragrances in cosmetics and personal care products are common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. These are often complex mixtures of chemical allergens that can trigger a T-cell mediated immune response, leading to a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. Avoiding products containing these known irritants is a key preventative strategy to reduce the frequency and severity of future episodes.
Choice B rationale
Washing the skin with very hot water is detrimental to the skin's barrier function. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils (sebum), leading to excessive dryness and micro-fissures. This compromised skin barrier makes the skin more permeable to allergens and irritants, exacerbating existing dermatitis and increasing susceptibility to future episodes. The skin should be cleansed with lukewarm water.
Choice C rationale
Wearing gloves constantly, especially those made of latex or vinyl, can create a moist environment that traps sweat and irritants, leading to maceration and irritation of the skin. This can worsen existing dermatitis and potentially cause a new form of contact dermatitis. Gloves should only be worn for specific tasks and for limited periods to prevent this moisture-induced skin damage.
Choice D rationale
Fabric softeners often contain chemicals and fragrances that are known contact allergens and irritants. These substances can remain in the clothing fibers after washing and come into direct contact with the skin, triggering a hypersensitivity reaction. Therefore, the nurse should advise against using fabric softeners to reduce exposure to potential allergens and prevent future episodes of contact dermatitis.
Correct Answer is ["2600"]
Explanation
The patient has an order for Percocet 2 tabs qh prn for pain. Based on the label below, if the patient takes 2 tabs every 6 hours, how much acetaminophen will the patient take in 24 hours?.
Step 1: Calculate the amount of acetaminophen per dose. 2 tabs × 325 mg/tab = 650 mg.
Step 2: Determine the number of doses in 24 hours. 24 hours ÷ 6 hours = 4 doses.
Step 3: Calculate the total amount of acetaminophen in 24 hours. 650 mg/dose × 4 doses = 2600 mg. The patient will take 2600 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours.
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