A nurse cares for a client who had a long-leg cast applied last week. The client states, "I cannot seem to catch my breath and I feel a bit light-headed." Which action should the nurse take next?
a. Auscultate the client's lung fields anteriorly and posteriorly.
b. Administer oxygen to keep saturations greater than 92%.
c. Check the client's blood glucose level.
d. Ask the client to take deep breaths.
ANS: B
The client's symptoms are consistent with the development of pulmonary embolism caused by leg immobility in the long cast. The nurse should check the client's pulse oximetry reading and provide oxygen to keep saturations greater than 92Auscultating lung fields, checking blood glucose level, or deep breathing will not assist this client.
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