A client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism has a reduction in ...

[madam-professor]

A client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism has a reduction in arterial oxygen saturation level and dyspnea. Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for this client?
 
  A) Ineffective Tissue Perfusion
  B) Anxiety
  C) Impaired Gas Exchange
  D) Impaired Physical Mobility

Question 2

A client scheduled for surgery is being instructed in leg exercises and the pneumatic compression device.
 
  The nurse includes these instructions to decrease which postoperative complication?
  A) Infection
  B) Delayed wound healing
  C) Contractures
  D) Deep vein thrombosis

[SamMuagrove]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: C

A reduction in arterial oxygen saturation level and dyspnea indicate the client is experiencing impaired gas exchange. This would be the priority for the client at this time. The client may have ineffective tissue perfusion; however, this is not the priority. The client may be experiencing anxiety; however, this is not the priority at this time either. There is not enough information to determine whether the client is at risk for impaired mobility.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: D

The best care for a pulmonary embolism is prevention. Since surgical clients have an increased risk of developing a pulmonary embolism postoperatively, instructions should include ways to encourage movement, such as leg exercises, and the need for pneumatic compression devices to maintain lower extremity circulation and prevent the development of a deep vein thrombosis. Exercises and pneumatic compression devices do not prevent infection, encourage wound healing, or prevent contractures.