You Are Working at the Triage Desk in the ED

question 31

Multiple Choice

You are working at the triage desk in the ED when a young man on crutches approaches the desk. He appears moderately short of breath. He states he had a cast put on his left leg seven days ago after surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon. This morning, while he was watching television, he suddenly became short of breath. He has a history of asthma, for which he takes Xopenex as needed, and is taking Tylenol with codeine for pain related to his surgery. The patient's lung sounds are clear and equal, SpO₂ is 90 percent on room air, heart rate is 100 and regular, respirations are 24 and slightly labored, blood pressure is 128/88 mmHg, and the patient is afebrile. These findings are most consistent with:

• A) allergic reaction to codeine.
• B) COPD exacerbated by recent anesthesia.
• C) pneumonia secondary to recent anesthesia.
• D) pulmonary embolism associated with immobilization of the lower extremity.

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Definitions:

Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory

A theory proposed by Erik Erikson that outlines eight stages of psychological development from infancy to late adulthood, each characterized by a specific crisis.

Identity During Adolescence

A developmental stage where individuals explore and begin to form their own distinct sense of identity in terms of values, beliefs, and goals.

Developing A Sense

This refers to the process of becoming aware of or understanding something through the use of one's senses or intuition.

Menopause

A natural biological process characterized by the cessation of menstruation and the end of reproductive capability in women.