After being hospitalized for 3 days with a right femur fracture,a 32-year-old patient suddenly develops shortness of breath and tachypnea.The patient tells the nurse,"I feel like I am going to die!" Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's clinical manifestations and history are consistent with a pulmonary embolus,and the nurse's first action should be to ensure adequate oxygenation.The nurse should offer reassurance to the patient,but meeting the physiologic need for oxygen is a higher priority.The health care provider should be notified after the oxygen is started and pulse oximetry and assessment for fat embolus or venous thromboembolism (VTE)are obtained.

After Being Hospitalized for 3 Days with a Right Femur