Critical Care Nursing Questions Related

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What is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolus?

  • A. An amniotic fluid embolus.
  • B. A deep vein thrombosis from lower extremities.
  • C. A fat embolus from a long bone fracture.
  • D. Vegetation that dislodges from an infected central venous catheter.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: A deep vein thrombosis from lower extremities. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolus as a blood clot can dislodge from the veins, travel to the lungs, and block blood flow. An amniotic fluid embolus (Choice A) occurs during childbirth and is rare as a cause of pulmonary embolism. A fat embolus (Choice C) typically occurs after a long bone fracture and is more likely to cause issues in the lungs. Vegetation from an infected central venous catheter (Choice D) can cause septic pulmonary embolism, but it is not as common as DVT.