Which of the following manifestations are most consistent with a pulmonary embolism?
Bradypnea and slow heart rate
Bilateral peripheral edema and generalized weakness
Sudden onset of dyspnea and sharp chest pain
Gradual onset of a productive cough with thick sputum
The Correct Answer is C
A. Bradypnea and slow heart rate is incorrect because pulmonary embolism (PE) usually triggers tachypnea and tachycardia, not slow breathing or bradycardia. These responses occur as the body attempts to compensate for hypoxemia and reduced pulmonary blood flow.
B. Bilateral peripheral edema and generalized weakness is incorrect because bilateral leg swelling is more characteristic of heart failure or systemic venous congestion. While a PE may result from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), edema is usually unilateral and not the defining manifestation of an acute PE.
C. Sudden onset of dyspnea and sharp chest pain is correct because a pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot obstructs a pulmonary artery, causing abrupt impairment of blood flow to the lung. This leads to sudden shortness of breath, sharp or pleuritic chest pain (worsening with inspiration), tachypnea, and sometimes hemoptysis. Other signs may include anxiety, diaphoresis, and hypoxemia. Rapid recognition is essential, as PE can be life-threatening if untreated.
D. Gradual onset of a productive cough with thick sputum is incorrect because this pattern is more typical of pneumonia or chronic bronchitis, not pulmonary embolism. PE symptoms are typically acute and sudden rather than gradual.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Bradypnea and slow heart rate is incorrect because pulmonary embolism (PE) usually triggers tachypnea and tachycardia, not slow breathing or bradycardia. These responses occur as the body attempts to compensate for hypoxemia and reduced pulmonary blood flow.
B. Bilateral peripheral edema and generalized weakness is incorrect because bilateral leg swelling is more characteristic of heart failure or systemic venous congestion. While a PE may result from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), edema is usually unilateral and not the defining manifestation of an acute PE.
C. Sudden onset of dyspnea and sharp chest pain is correct because a pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot obstructs a pulmonary artery, causing abrupt impairment of blood flow to the lung. This leads to sudden shortness of breath, sharp or pleuritic chest pain (worsening with inspiration), tachypnea, and sometimes hemoptysis. Other signs may include anxiety, diaphoresis, and hypoxemia. Rapid recognition is essential, as PE can be life-threatening if untreated.
D. Gradual onset of a productive cough with thick sputum is incorrect because this pattern is more typical of pneumonia or chronic bronchitis, not pulmonary embolism. PE symptoms are typically acute and sudden rather than gradual.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Macule is incorrect because a macule is a flat, non-palpable lesion that represents a change in skin color. Examples include freckles or flat rashes. Macules do not contain fluid or pus, nor are they raised.
B. Pustule is correct because a pustule is a small, elevated, erythematous lesion that contains purulent material (pus). Pustules are commonly seen in infections such as acne, impetigo, or folliculitis. The presence of pus indicates an inflammatory response to infection, trauma, or obstruction of a gland.
C. Papule is incorrect because a papule is a solid, raised lesion without fluid. Papules can be caused by a variety of dermatologic conditions such as warts or early stages of acne, but they do not contain pus.
D. Nodule is incorrect because a nodule is a larger, solid, firm lesion that extends deeper into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. Nodules can result from cysts, tumors, or chronic inflammatory processes, but they are not typically associated with purulent exudate.
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