A client has experienced pulmonary embolism. A nurse assesses for which symptom, which is most commonly reported?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chest pain that occurs suddenly. Pulmonary embolism typically presents with sudden chest pain due to a blockage in the pulmonary arteries. This is a result of a blood clot traveling to the lungs, causing a sharp and stabbing pain. The other options are not typically associated with pulmonary embolism. A hot, flushed feeling (A) is more indicative of a fever or infection, sudden chills and fever (B) may occur in sepsis or the flu, and nausea and vomiting (D) are more commonly seen in gastrointestinal issues.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: alveoli. Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place through diffusion. This process is crucial for oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide. Bronchi (A), bronchioles (C), and trachea (D) are all parts of the respiratory system, but they do not participate directly in gas exchange. Bronchi are the main airways that branch off from the trachea, bronchioles are smaller airways that lead to the alveoli, and the trachea is the main airway that carries air to and from the lungs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because hemoglobin follows the principle of partial pressure, which states that gases move from areas of higher partial pressure to lower partial pressure. Therefore, hemoglobin will pick up more oxygen when the partial pressure of oxygen is higher, such as in the lungs. Choice A is incorrect because hemoglobin actually releases oxygen at higher temperatures. Choice C is incorrect because hemoglobin picks up oxygen when it is not fully saturated. Choice D is incorrect because hemoglobin releases oxygen when the partial pressure of oxygen is higher, not when it is lower.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: carbon dioxide in the blood. In the body, carbon dioxide levels are monitored by chemoreceptors in the brainstem. When carbon dioxide levels rise, it triggers an increase in breathing rate to expel excess carbon dioxide and restore the balance of gases in the blood. This process is known as the respiratory drive. Carbon monoxide (A) is a toxic gas that interferes with oxygen transport but does not directly affect breathing stimulus. Oxygen (C) levels in the blood are important for maintaining tissue oxygenation but do not directly regulate breathing. Carbonic acid (D) is a product of carbon dioxide and water, and its levels do not directly stimulate breathing.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (1500 ml) because residual volume refers to the amount of air left in the lungs after maximal exhalation, which is around 1200-1500 ml in an average human. This volume is necessary to keep the alveoli inflated and prevent lung collapse. Choices A (500 ml), B (3-4.5 ml), and C (1000 ml) are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the typical residual volume in the lungs of an average human. Choice A is too low, choices B and C are significantly below the actual range of residual volume.