Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Lower Respiratory Disorders Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Lower Respiratory Disorders related questions and content

Following a hip repair, the client develops hemoptysis, wheezing, and cyanosis. The nurse suspects a pulmonary embolus that originated from which site?

  • A. Deep veins of the legs
  • B. Bone marrow
  • C. Myocardial tissue
  • D. Superior vena cava
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A fat embolus usually occurs after a fracture or repair to the long bones. Pulmonary emboli may arise from the endocardium of the right side of the heart, but a myocardial infarction has not been identified in this client. The deep veins of the legs are a common site for emboli formation especially with prolonged inactivity or thrombophlebitis, which does not apply to this client.