A patient who has successfully been treated for a pulmonary embolism is about to be discharged. How can he lower the risk of experiencing another pulmonary embolism?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Avoid sitting and standing for too long and do not cross legs. This is because prolonged periods of immobility can lead to blood stagnation in the legs, increasing the risk of clot formation which can travel to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism. By staying active and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, the patient can promote healthy blood circulation and reduce the risk of clot formation. Option B) Take vitamin K with heparin is incorrect as vitamin K actually promotes blood clotting, which would be counterproductive in this situation where we want to prevent clots. Option C) Avoid confined spaces is incorrect as the risk of pulmonary embolism is more related to factors like immobility, underlying conditions, or genetic predispositions rather than the physical environment. Option D) Jog 5 miles each day is also incorrect as while exercise is beneficial for overall health, recommending a specific high-intensity activity like jogging 5 miles each day may not be appropriate or feasible for all patients, especially those recovering from a pulmonary embolism. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide patients with clear and practical advice on how to prevent complications like pulmonary embolism after treatment. Understanding the role of mobility in preventing clot formation is essential information for patients to maintain their health and well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Smoking while taking nicotine replacement therapy can increase the risk of a stroke due to the combination of nicotine intake from smoking and the therapy. This is important for the client to understand to avoid potential serious health complications. A: Making a list of reasons why smoking is bad is not directly related to the client's use of nicotine replacement therapy. B: Rising slowly when getting out of bed is a general safety measure and not specific to nicotine replacement therapy. D: Stopping nicotine replacement therapy suddenly does not increase the risk for a heart attack; rather, it may lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The oxygen dissociation curve illustrates the relationship between oxyhemoglobin saturation and oxygen tension. As oxygen tension increases, hemoglobin binds more oxygen until it becomes fully saturated. Option A is correct as it accurately describes this relationship. Option B is incorrect because carbon dioxide level does not directly affect the oxygen-hemoglobin binding. Option C is incorrect as it does not reflect the relationship shown by the curve. Option D is incorrect because it mixes the variables of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which are not directly related in the oxygen dissociation curve.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Giving pure Oxygen Carbon dioxide mixture. When hemoglobin binds with carbon monoxide (CO) instead of oxygen, it forms carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), which decreases the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Administering pure oxygen helps to displace CO from hemoglobin, but giving pure oxygen alone may not be sufficient in severe cases. By providing a mixture of pure oxygen and carbon dioxide, the increased carbon dioxide levels can help stimulate breathing and aid in the elimination of CO from the body more rapidly. This approach can help restore oxygen levels in the blood more effectively compared to just giving pure oxygen. Dialysis and blood transfusion are not immediate remedies for carbon monoxide poisoning and are not as directly targeted at addressing the underlying issue of COHb formation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method of measuring SaO2 by using a sensor attached to a patient's fingertip, earlobe, or toe. Step 2: It provides immediate and continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation levels in the blood, making it an efficient and reliable method. Step 3: Pulse oximetry is widely used in clinical settings due to its accuracy and convenience. Step 4: In contrast, the other options are not direct methods for assessing SaO2. Incentive spirometry helps improve lung function, ABG measures blood pH and gases, and peak flow measures airflow in the lungs.