Diagnostic Methods

Diagnostic Methods ( 5 Questions)

A nurse is assessing a client who has a pulmonary embolism.

The nurse should expect to find which of the following signs and symptoms? (Select all that apply)



Correct Answer: ["A","B","E"]

The correct answer is choice A, B and E. A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that blocks an artery in the lung and reduces blood flow and oxygen levels.

The common symptoms of PE are:

• Dyspnea (sudden, unexplained shortness of breath) 

• Pleuritic chest pain (dull pain that gets worse with deep breathing) 

• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) 

Choice C is correct because hemoptysis is a possible symptom of PE, although it is less common than dyspnea and chest pain. Hemoptysis occurs when the blood clot damages the lung tissue and causes bleeding

Choice D is wrong because bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a typical symptom of PE. In fact, most people with PE have tachycardia (fast heart rate) due to the increased strain on the heart and the reduced oxygen levels

Choice E is correct because hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood) is a common complication of PE.

Hypoxemia can cause pale, clammy or bluish skin, excessive sweating, anxiety, lightheadedness or fainting. Hypoxemia can also worsen the heart strain and lead to heart failure or cardiac arrest

Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95% to 100%. Normal ranges for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute




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