ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam Related

Review ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam related questions and content

A client has a pulmonary embolism & is started on oxygen. The student nurse asks why the client's oxygen saturation has not significantly improved. What response by the nurse is best?

  • A. Breathing so rapidly interferes with oxygenation.
  • B. Maybe the client has respiratory distress syndrome.
  • C. The blood clot interferes with perfusion in the lungs.
  • D. The client needs immediate intubation & mechanical ventilation.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C

Rationale:
1. A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries, affecting blood flow to the lungs.
2. This blockage limits perfusion, the process of blood flow through the lungs for oxygenation.
3. Oxygen saturation may not improve significantly because the blood clot interferes with perfusion, not ventilation.
4. Options A and B focus on ventilation issues, which may not be the primary concern in this case.
5. Option D is extreme and not supported by the information given about the client's condition.

Summary:
Choice C is correct because a pulmonary embolism affects perfusion in the lungs, leading to decreased oxygen saturation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they focus on other issues not directly related to the client's condition.