Question

Which statement is true regarding the client with symptoms of pulmonary embolus? A. The client's symptoms develop slowly over time and are often mistaken for other conditions. B. The client's symptoms are detectable if checks for Homan's sign are done correctly. C. The client's symptoms depend on the size and the location of the pulmonary embolus. D. The client's symptoms include flattened neck veins and oral petechiae.

Short answer

Answer: Statement C - the client's symptoms depend on the size and location of the pulmonary embolus.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Pulmonary Embolus

A pulmonary embolus is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel from the legs or other parts of the body. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolus can be sudden and severe, and they may vary depending on the size and location of the embolus. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing, among others.

Evaluating Statement A

Statement A states that the client's symptoms develop slowly over time and are often mistaken for other conditions. Pulmonary embolus symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, but they usually develop suddenly and severely, not slowly over time. Thus, statement A is not true.

Evaluating Statement B

Statement B says the client's symptoms are detectable if checks for Homan's sign are done correctly. Homan's sign is a test for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolus. However, the presence or absence of Homan's sign does not directly indicate the presence of a pulmonary embolus. Therefore, statement B is not accurate.

Evaluating Statement C

Statement C states that the client's symptoms depend on the size and the location of the pulmonary embolus. This statement is true, as the severity and presentation of symptoms in patients with a pulmonary embolus can vary depending on the embolus's size and location within the pulmonary artery. Larger emboli typically cause more severe symptoms, while smaller or more peripheral ones might cause milder symptoms.

Evaluating Statement D

Statement D suggests that the client's symptoms include flattened neck veins and oral petechiae. Although both of these symptoms are associated with medical conditions, they are not typically associated with pulmonary embolus. Flattened neck veins can be a sign of hypovolemia or shock, and oral petechiae can be related to various bleeding disorders, but neither symptom is characteristic of a pulmonary embolus. Thus, statement D is not true.

Conclusion

Based on the evaluation of each statement, Statement C is the true statement regarding clients with symptoms of pulmonary embolus. The symptoms depend on the size and location of the pulmonary embolus, and this option correctly reflects the clinical presentation of a patient with this condition.