Nursing Prioritization Delegation Assignment Q 9
You are admitting a patient for whom a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism must be ruled out. The patient’s history and assessment reveal all of these findings. Which finding supports the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism?
A. The patient was recently in a motor vehicle accident
B. The patient participated in an aerobic exercise program for 6 months
C. The patient gave birth to her youngest child 1 year ago
D. The patient was on bed rest for 6 hours after a diagnostic procedure
Correct Answer: A. The patient was recently in a motor vehicle accident
Patients who have recently experienced trauma are at risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. PE remains relatively common after trauma and occurs in the absence of lower extremity or spinal fractures. Although PE is usually thought to occur between days 5 and 7 after injury, data suggest that as many as 37% of pulmonary emboli occur early.
Option B: The better the circulation is, the lower the chance of blood pooling up and clotting. Clotting is often caused by long periods of inactivity, so practicing a regular exercise routine can help reduce the risk of clots and other conditions related to blood clots, such as diabetes and obesity.
Option C: Pulmonary embolisms (PE) typically occur during or shortly after the labor and delivery, and may be fatal for the mother if not treated immediately. The client gave birth a year ago, therefore eliminating the risk for pulmonary embolism.
Option D: None of the other findings are risk factors for pulmonary embolism. Prolonged immobilization is also a risk factor for DVT and pulmonary embolism, but this period of bed rest was very short.