Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason : Methadone is an opioid used primarily for opioid maintenance therapy and to relieve severe pain, not typically for alcohol withdrawal. It does not address the specific symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal such as seizures or delirium tremens¹.

Choice B reason : Salicylates, such as aspirin, are not used to treat alcohol withdrawal. They can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be a concern in individuals with a history of heavy alcohol use¹.

Choice C reason : Benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide, are the first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal. They help reduce the risk of seizures, ease withdrawal symptoms, and can prevent the progression to more severe forms of withdrawal such as delirium tremens¹².

Choice D reason : Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with sedative properties, but it is not a first-line medication for alcohol withdrawal. While it may provide some sedation, it does not prevent seizures or other serious complications of alcohol withdrawal¹.

A. Exertion and anxiety can trigger the pain. B. Pain can often be relieved by sitting up. C. The pain persists with rest and organic nitrates. D. The pain usually lasts longer than 20 minutes.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason : Anginal pain is commonly triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress, which increases the heart's demand for oxygen. When the narrowed coronary arteries cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, angina occurs³⁷.

Choice B reason : While sitting up may help relieve discomfort for some conditions, anginal pain is typically relieved by resting or taking prescribed medication such as nitroglycerin, which helps to widen the blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart muscle³⁶.

Choice C reason : This statement is incorrect. Anginal pain does not persist with rest and organic nitrates; these are actually the measures taken to alleviate the pain. Resting decreases the heart's demand for oxygen, and nitrates are effective in relieving anginal pain³.

Choice D reason : Typically, anginal pain does not last longer than a few minutes. If chest pain persists for more than 20 minutes, it may indicate a more serious condition, such as a heart attack, and immediate medical attention is required³.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Which patient is most likely experiencing a pulmonary embolism (PE)?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing manifestations of alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate the provider to prescribe?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a new diagnosis of angina pectoris. Which of the following information should the nurse include about anginal pain?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. On which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to instruct the client?

A nurse in a clinic is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has primary hypothyroidism. The nurse should anticipate an elevation of which of the following laboratory values?

A nurse is assessing a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder with psychotic features hears voices commanding self-harm. The client refuses to commit to developing a plan for safety. What should be the nurse's priority intervention at this time?

A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a potassium level of 2.4 mEq/L. The nurse should identify which of the following medications as contributing to this lab value?

A nurse is caring for a client who has reported experiencing abuse at home. Which of the following actions should be a priority for the nurse?

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who took three nitroglycerin tablets sublingually for chest pain. The client reports relief from the chest pain but now is experiencing a headache. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?