Two days after surgical fixation of a fractured femur, a client suddenly reports chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The nurse suspects the client had a pulmonary embolus. Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Alcohol consumption will not produce vascular changes is incorrect information. Alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction, fluid retention, and interference with antihypertensive medications. The nurse should advise the client to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Choice B reason: Sodium intake can be regulated by limiting canned foods in the diet is correct information. Sodium intake can increase blood pressure by causing fluid retention and increasing vascular resistance. The nurse should advise the client to limit sodium intake to no more than 2300 mg per day and avoid processed foods that are high in sodium, such as canned foods, soups, sauces, and snacks.

Choice C reason: Salt substitutes can help with maintaining a healthy diet is correct information. Salt substitutes can reduce sodium intake by replacing sodium chloride with potassium chloride or other minerals. The nurse should advise the client to use salt substitutes sparingly and consult with their healthcare provider before using them if they have kidney disease or take certain medications that affect potassium levels.

Choice D reason: Weight management is promoted by taking daily walks for thirty minutes is correct information. Weight management can lower blood pressure by reducing body fat, improving blood circulation, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. The nurse should advise the client to maintain a healthy weight and engage in moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week.

Choice E reason: Blood pressure readings should be taken at noontime is incorrect information. Blood pressure readings should be taken at different times of the day, preferably in the morning and evening, to monitor fluctuations and trends. The nurse should advise the client to use a home blood pressure monitor that is accurate and calibrated and follow proper techniques for measuring blood pressure.

Choice F reason: Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to renal damage is correct information. Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function and chronic kidney disease. The nurse should advise the client to follow their prescribed treatment plan and monitor their blood pressure regularly.

Choice C is correct because providing supplemental oxygen is the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. A pulmonary embolus is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks the blood flow, causing hypoxia and respiratory distress. The nurse should administer oxygen to improve the client's oxygenation and prevent further complications.

Choice A is incorrect because notifying the healthcare provider is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider after providing supplemental oxygen and assessing the client's vital signs and symptoms.

Choice B is incorrect because preparing a continuous heparin infusion per protocol is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. Heparin is an anticoagulant that can prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of recurrence, but it does not dissolve existing clots or improve oxygenation. The nurse should prepare a heparin infusion after obtaining a prescription from the healthcare provider and confirming the diagnosis with diagnostic tests.

Choice D is incorrect because bringing the emergency crash cart to the bedside is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. The emergency crash cart contains equipment and medications that can be used in case of cardiac arrest or other emergencies, but it does not address the immediate need of oxygenation. The nurse should bring the emergency crash cart to the bedside after providing supplemental oxygen and assessing the client's condition.