A patient presents with a sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea. The nurse suspects a pulmonary embolism. What is the priority action?

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Question 1 of 5

A patient presents with a sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea. The nurse suspects a pulmonary embolism. What is the priority action?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer oxygen via nasal cannula. Oxygen therapy is the priority action for a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism to improve oxygenation and decrease the workload on the heart. This helps in maintaining adequate oxygen levels and preventing hypoxia. Administering a bronchodilator (choice A) is not the priority as pulmonary embolism is not primarily a result of bronchoconstriction. Placing the patient in high Fowler's position (choice B) may help with breathing but is not as crucial as providing oxygen therapy. Preparing the patient for a chest X-ray (choice D) may be necessary for further evaluation, but oxygen therapy takes precedence in managing the acute respiratory distress associated with pulmonary embolism.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client with tuberculosis. Which statement indicates correct understanding?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I need to schedule regular follow-up sputum tests." This is correct because regular sputum tests are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of TB treatment and to ensure the disease is not spreading. Choice A is incorrect as masks are not generally needed at home. Choice B is wrong because stopping medication early can lead to drug resistance. Choice D is inaccurate as spicy foods do not affect TB treatment. Regular sputum tests are essential for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment if needed.

Question 3 of 5

A client with COPD is receiving oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula. The client reports headache and drowsiness. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the client's oxygen saturation level. Headache and drowsiness can indicate oxygen toxicity due to excessive oxygen administration in COPD patients. Assessing the oxygen saturation level will help determine if the client is experiencing oxygen toxicity. If the oxygen saturation is high, decreasing the oxygen flow rate (choice A) may be necessary. Encouraging deep breaths (choice C) is not the priority in this situation. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) can be done after assessing the oxygen saturation level.

Question 4 of 5

A client with asthma is prescribed a long-acting beta2-agonist. What is the primary purpose of this medication?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To prevent nocturnal asthma symptoms. Long-acting beta2-agonists help to relax and open the airways, preventing nocturnal asthma symptoms by maintaining bronchodilation throughout the night. This medication is not used for acute relief of bronchospasm (choice A), reducing airway inflammation (choice B), or thinning mucus secretions (choice D). It is specifically indicated for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is assessing a client with a suspected pulmonary embolism. Which diagnostic test is most definitive?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). This test is most definitive for diagnosing pulmonary embolism as it provides detailed images of the blood vessels in the lungs, allowing for visualization of any blockages. Step-by-step rationale: 1. CTPA is the gold standard diagnostic test for pulmonary embolism due to its high sensitivity and specificity. 2. It can accurately identify the location and size of the blood clot in the pulmonary arteries. 3. CTPA is non-invasive and can be performed quickly, making it a preferred choice in the acute setting. Summary: A (Chest X-ray) is not sensitive enough to diagnose pulmonary embolism. B (D-dimer test) is a screening tool but not definitive for diagnosis. D (V/Q scan) is an alternative test but CTPA is more accurate and widely used.

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