The postoperative client displays sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, cyanosis, tachycardia, and low blood pressure. The nurse suspects which postoperative complication?
1. Pneumonia
2. Atelectasis
3. Hypovolemia
4. Pulmonary embolism
Correct Answer: 4
The client is displaying signs of pulmonary emboli, which will cause sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing. The client with pneumonia is likely to have a fever, but usually will not display sharp chest pain. Atelectasis can cause respiratory distress, but will not cause chest pain. Hypovolemia does not produce chest pain either, and will usually be displayed by tachycardia, decreased urine output, and drop in blood pressure.
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