A Patient with a Possible Pulmonary Embolism Complains of Chest

question 35

Multiple Choice

A patient with a possible pulmonary embolism complains of chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse finds a heart rate of 142, BP reading of 100/60, and respirations of 42. The nurse's first action should be to

• A) elevate the head of the bed to 45 to 60 degrees.
• B) administer the ordered pain medication.
• C) notify the patient's health care provider.
• D) offer emotional support and reassurance.

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Definitions:

Adhesion Junctions

Specialized structures in cells that help in the binding of cells with each other or with the extracellular matrix.

Gap Junctions

Specialized intercellular connections that facilitate the direct transfer of ions and small molecules between the cytoplasms of adjacent cells.

Tight Junctions

Specialized connections between neighboring cells that create a barrier to prevent the leakage of molecules across cell layers.

Plasmodesmata

Microscopic channels allowing transport and communication between plant cells, enabling the sharing of water, nutrients, and biochemical signals.