A nurse is caring for five clients. For which clients would the nurse assess a high risk for developing a pulmonary embolism (PE)? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Client who had a reaction to contrast dye yesterday
b. Client with a new spinal cord injury on a rotating bed
c. Middle-aged man with an exacerbation of asthma
d. Older client who is 1-day post hip replacement surgery
e. Young obese client with a fractured femur

Answer 1

ANS: B, D, E
Conditions that place clients at higher risk of developing PE include prolonged immobility, central venous catheters, surgery, obesity, advancing age, conditions that increase blood clotting, history of thromboembolism, smoking, pregnancy, estrogen therapy, heart failure, stroke, cancer (particularly lung or prostate), and trauma. A contrast dye reaction and asthma pose no risk for PE.