A postoperative patient suddenly develops dyspnea, tachypnea, restlessness, and chest pain. Which complication should the nurse suspect is occurring in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of dyspnea, tachypnea, restlessness, and chest pain in a postoperative patient are indicative of a pulmonary embolus, a common postoperative complication due to immobilization and potential for blood clots to form and travel to the lungs.

A Postoperative Patient Suddenly Develops Dyspnea, Tachypnea, Restlessness, and Chest