A patient is diagnosed with a large pulmonary embolism.In explaining to the patient what has happened to cause respiratory failure,what does the nurse understand is the mechanism involved?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A large pulmonary embolism can cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch because the blood flow to certain areas of the lungs may be decreased due to the obstruction, while ventilation continues to occur normally. This leads to shunting, where blood is perfusing large areas of underventilated alveoli, ultimately causing respiratory failure.

A Patient Is Diagnosed with a Large Pulmonary Embolism