A patient is on postoperative day 2 after undergoing a total hip replacement. The patient suddenly complains of chest pain and is coughing up blood-tinged sputum. What should be the nurse's initial intervention?
a. Report signs to the charge nurse.
b. Elevate head of bed and administer oxygen.
c. Prevent patient from excessive coughing.
d. Increase IV flow rate.
ANS: B
When a pulmonary embolus is suspected, the head of the bed should be elevated to facilitate respiration and oxygen is administered. The charge nurse and the physician should be notified, but only after the patient is stabilized and oxygenated.
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