Which patient is most likely experiencing a pulmonary embolism (PE)?
A 40-year-old woman who came into the ER with a swollen, painful calf and now complains of chest pains and having trouble breathing, with tachycardia and tachypnea.
A 60-year-old man who is tired and has been in the med-surg unit for 3 days with AKI after taking IV antibiotics.
A 30-year-old man with a history of smoking and a sedentary lifestyle who had an appendectomy 1 day ago and is refusing to ambulate or wear compression stockings.
A 55-year-old woman who came into the ER with chest pains, shortness of breath, nausea, tachypnea, and radiating jaw pain.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason : The symptoms described for the 40-year-old woman align closely with the clinical presentation of a pulmonary embolism. Swelling and pain in the calf may indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to PE. The presence of chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and rapid breathing (tachypnea) are hallmark signs of PE³⁴.
Choice B reason : While the 60-year-old man is experiencing fatigue, which can be a symptom of many conditions, there is no direct indication of PE. Acute kidney injury (AKI) after IV antibiotics suggests a different pathophysiology unrelated to PE.
Choice C reason : The 30-year-old man's refusal to ambulate or wear compression stockings after surgery increases his risk for DVT and subsequently PE; however, he does not currently exhibit symptoms that are as indicative of PE as the 40-year-old woman.
Choice D reason : The 55-year-old woman's symptoms could suggest a cardiac event, such as a heart attack, especially with the radiating jaw pain. While PE can present with similar symptoms, the radiating pain is more characteristic of cardiac issues³.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason : Reducing stimuli is crucial for a patient emerging from a coma, especially after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Excessive sensory input can overwhelm the patient's already compromised neurological state. The goal is to provide a calm and controlled environment to prevent overstimulation, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure (ICP), agitation, and delayed recovery. Interventions may include minimizing noise, dimming lights, and limiting the number of visitors. It's important to tailor the level of stimuli to the individual patient's response and recovery stage.
Choice B reason : Darkening the room can be part of reducing stimuli, but it is not the sole intervention needed. While a darker environment may help some patients rest, it is not universally applicable and should be considered as one aspect of an overall strategy to reduce stimuli. The nurse must assess the patient's individual needs and responses to determine if darkening the room is beneficial.
Choice C reason : The application of restraints is generally considered a last resort due to the potential for physical and psychological harm. Restraints can increase agitation and disorientation, potentially leading to self-injury or interference with medical devices. The use of restraints requires careful consideration, adherence to protocols, and often legal documentation. Non-pharmacological interventions and environmental modifications should be attempted first to manage restlessness.
Choice D reason : The administration of opioids is not typically indicated solely for restlessness in patients emerging from a coma. Opioids can depress the central nervous system, potentially masking neurological assessments and delaying recovery. They are primarily used for pain management. If restlessness is due to pain, then appropriate analgesia, including opioids, may be considered, but the underlying cause of restlessness should be thoroughly assessed and treated.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Constipation is not commonly reported as an adverse effect of tamoxifen. While it may occur, it is not as prevalent as other side effects such as hot flashes¹.
Choice B reason : Hot flashes are a well-known and common adverse effect of tamoxifen. They occur due to the antiestrogen effects of the medication, which can disrupt the body's temperature regulation¹.
Choice C reason : Increased appetite is not typically associated with tamoxifen use. While changes in weight can occur, they are not directly linked to an increase in appetite as a side effect of this medication¹.
Choice D reason : Insomnia may occur in some individuals taking tamoxifen, but it is not one of the most common adverse effects. Hot flashes and other menopausal-like symptoms are more frequently reported¹.
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