The nurse is caring for a client who develops dyspnea and chest pain. Which diagnostic finding is consistent with a pulmonary embolism (PE)? A)Lack of infiltrates on chest x-ray B)Metabolic alkalosis on arterial blood gas C)Elevated CO₂ level found on end-tidal carbon dioxide monitor D)Tachycardia and nonspecific T-wave changes on EKG

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)With PE, tachycardia and nonspecific T-wave changes occur on EKG. Pulmonary infiltration is common on a chest x-ray. The client with a PE will likely have respiratory alkalosis from rapid breathing, not metabolic alkalosis. The end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂)monitor will be decreased, not increased, due to rapid breathing. B)With PE, tachycardia and nonspecific T-wave changes occur on EKG. Pulmonary infiltration is common on a chest x-ray. The client with a PE will likely have respiratory alkalosis from rapid breathing, not metabolic alkalosis. The end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂)monitor will be decreased, not increased, due to rapid breathing. C)With PE, tachycardia and nonspecific T-wave changes occur on EKG. Pulmonary infiltration is common on a chest x-ray. The client with a PE will likely have respiratory alkalosis from rapid breathing, not metabolic alkalosis. The end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂)monitor will be decreased, not increased, due to rapid breathing. D)With PE, tachycardia and nonspecific T-wave changes occur on EKG. Pulmonary infiltration is common on a chest x-ray. The client with a PE will likely have respiratory alkalosis from rapid breathing, not metabolic alkalosis. The end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂)monitor will be decreased, not increased, due to rapid breathing.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Develops Dyspnea