Saunders NCLEX RN Practice Questions Related

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A client is admitted with the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. While taking a history, the client tells the nurse he was admitted for the same thing twice before, the last time just 3 months ago. The nurse would anticipate the healthcare provider ordering:

  • A. Pulmonary embolectomy
  • B. Vena caval interruption
  • C. Increasing the coumadin therapy to achieve an INR of 3-4
  • D. Thrombolytic therapy
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vena caval interruption. In this scenario, the client has a history of recurrent pulmonary embolism, indicating a high risk for further episodes. Vena caval interruption, such as with an inferior vena cava filter, is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism recurrence by trapping blood clots before they reach the pulmonary circulation. This intervention is indicated when anticoagulation alone is not sufficient to prevent further emboli. Pulmonary embolectomy (A) is a surgical procedure to remove a clot from the pulmonary artery and is typically reserved for massive, life-threatening embolisms. Increasing coumadin therapy (C) to achieve a higher INR may increase bleeding risk without necessarily preventing future emboli. Thrombolytic therapy (D) is reserved for acute, large emboli causing hemodynamic instability.