M16.11 Pulmonary Embolism

The nurse is teaching a group of patients who have sedentary jobs how to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Which patient statement indicates that the teaching has been effective?

"I will perform range of motion exercises hourly while sitting at my desk."

The nurse is teaching a patient about modifiable methods for prevention of a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which patient statement indicates that the teaching is effective?

"I will stop smoking."

The nurse is teaching a group of adults about the prevention of a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which statement will the nurse include as the most effective way to decrease the risk of developing a PE?

"It is best to stop smoking."

The nurse is discussing the condition of a patient diagnosed with pulmonary embolism (PE) with a colleague. Which statement by the colleague indicates an understanding of the patient's risk for atelectasis?

"The dead space created by the PE increases the patient's risk for atelectasis."

A patient with a pulmonary embolism (PE) is scheduled to have a lung scan (V-Q scan). Which statement should the nurse include when teaching the patient about this procedure?

"This is a nuclear medicine procedure that uses radioisotopes to visualize an embolism."

The nurse is teaching a patient who has been treated for a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which instruction should the nurse give this patient?

"Use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth."

Which patient should the nurse identify as being at the greatest risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (PE)?

A 72-year-old man with heart failure who is wheelchair-bound

The nurse suspects a pulmonary embolism (PE) in a patient who reports a sudden cough and states, "I just can't seem to catch my breath." Which additional symptom should the nurse recognize as a manifestation of PE?

Anxiety

The nurse is planning care for a patient who is scheduled to have a vena cava filter placed. Which independent nursing intervention should the nurse implement to decrease the patient's feelings of anxiety?

Explaining all the procedures and therapies ordered

While assessing a patient with a pulmonary embolism, the nurse notes jugular vein distention. Which should be the nurse's priority action?

Calling the healthcare provider

The nurse is teaching the parents of a child about symptoms of a pulmonary embolism (PE) to report to the healthcare provider. Which symptom should the nurse include?

Chest pain

The nurse is assessing a patient who is suspected of having a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which is the most common manifestation of a PE that the nurse should prepare to assess?

Cough

The nurse is caring for a 9-year-old patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). Which test, if prescribed, should the nurse question?

D-dimer

The nurse is teaching a patient with a 3-day-old newborn about a perfusion lung scan. Which information should the nurse include?

Expressed breast milk should be discarded for 48 hours.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a fractured femur and suddenly reports dyspnea, chest pain, cough, anxiety, and petechiae on the chest. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

Fat embolism

While assessing a patient with a pulmonary embolism (PE), the nurse notes jugular vein distention (JVD). Which assessment finding by the nurse is consistent with JVD?

Increased central venous pressure (CVP)

The nurse assessed a patient diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Which finding should concern the nurse?

Jugular vein distention

A woman at 30 weeks of gestation has been diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which treatment should the nurse expect the healthcare provider to order?

Low molecular weight heparin

The nurse is reviewing a recent electrocardiogram (ECG) of a patient who is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which finding is consistent with a PE?

Nonspecific T-wave changes

The nurse is planning care for a patient with a pulmonary embolism (PE) who requires supplemental oxygen. Which independent nursing intervention should the nurse implement?

Placing the patient's lower extremities in the dependent position

The nurse is completing a physical assessment on a patient diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which manifestation should the nurse expect to find on assessment?

Productive cough

The nurse is reviewing the medical history of a patient who will be starting fibrinolytic therapy. Which finding should concern the nurse?

Severe hypertension

The nurse is discussing interventions to prevent the development of a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which intervention should the nurse question?

Strict bedrest after hip replacement

The nurse is assessing a patient who is recovering from a pulmonary embolism. Which finding should the nurse know is most concerning?

Sudden reduction of oxygen saturation

The nurse is caring for a patient who is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Which time period is the most crucial for treatment?

The first 2 hours

The nurse is caring for a patient with a pulmonary embolism (PE) who is scheduled to have a ventilation-perfusion (V-Q) scan. Which statement is true?

The scan uses radioisotopes to help diagnose the embolism.

Fibrinolytic therapy has been initiated for a patient diagnosed with a massive pulmonary embolism (PE) and hypotension. Which objective should the nurse question as a reason to initiate fibrinolytic therapy?

To reduce mortality associated with PE

Which surgical procedure should the nurse recognize as putting a patient at the highest risk of developing a pulmonary embolism?

Total hip replacement