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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Achieving a blood pressure of 120/80 is a general goal for overall cardiovascular health, but it is not specific to the management of heart failure. While controlling blood pressure is important in heart failure, the primary objective is to reduce the heart's workload¹.
Choice B reason : Reducing the workload on the heart is a key objective in managing heart failure. This can be achieved through medications that improve heart function, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical interventions. The goal is to improve the heart's efficiency and reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue¹.
Choice C reason : Encouraging the client to walk briskly on a treadmill at 4 to 5 miles an hour may not be appropriate for all heart failure patients, especially without medical supervision. Exercise recommendations should be personalized based on the individual's condition and tolerance¹.
Choice D reason : While dietary modifications are part of heart failure management, completely eliminating all sodium and fat is not practical or recommended. Instead, a balanced diet with controlled sodium intake is advised to help manage fluid retention¹.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging interaction with others by having the client share a room might be overwhelming for a client experiencing hypomanic episodes. Hypomania can involve irritability and impulsivity, making shared spaces potentially stressful. It's important to balance social interaction with the need for a controlled environment¹.
Choice B reason: Providing a calm atmosphere by placing the client in a private room can be beneficial for someone experiencing hypomanic episodes. A private room can reduce overstimulation and help manage symptoms like restlessness, agitation, and sleep disturbances. It allows the client to have a quiet space to retreat to, which can be crucial in managing mood swings¹².
Choice C reason: While a cheerful environment may seem beneficial, having bright drapes in the client's room could potentially contribute to overstimulation. Clients with hypomania are often sensitive to environmental stimuli, so it's important to keep the setting subdued to avoid exacerbating symptoms¹.
Choice D reason: Promoting access to activities by assigning the client to a room near the dayroom can be a double-edged sword. While it facilitates engagement in structured activities, which can be therapeutic, it also increases the risk of overstimulation due to the proximity to a potentially busy and noisy area. Careful consideration of the client's current state is necessary when making this decision¹.
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