NCLEX Pulmonary Embolism Practice Quiz - 10 Questions
Challenge yourself with NCLEX practice questions on pulmonary embolism
Use this NCLEX pulmonary embolism quiz to practice key assessment points, ABG clues, and first-line interventions. Answer 10 exam-style questions and spot gaps before the test with short, realistic cases. For extra prep, try more pulmonary embolism practice when you finish today.
Study Outcomes
- Identify Key Risk Factors -
Recognize common and high-risk factors that contribute to pulmonary embolism development, enabling targeted patient assessment and preventive strategies.
- Analyze Clinical Presentations -
Differentiate hallmark signs, symptoms, and diagnostic data of pulmonary embolism to strengthen clinical reasoning during rapid assessments.
- Apply Evidence-Based Assessment Techniques -
Use appropriate assessment tools and interpret laboratory and imaging results to confirm or rule out pulmonary embolism effectively.
- Implement Nursing Interventions -
Prioritize and execute evidence-based pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions to stabilize patients with suspected or confirmed pulmonary embolism.
- Evaluate Complications and Patient Responses -
Monitor patient outcomes, anticipate potential complications, and adjust the care plan to ensure safe, effective management of pulmonary embolism.
Cheat Sheet
- Virchow's Triad & Pathophysiology -
PE formation hinges on Virchow's Triad: venous stasis, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury (American Heart Association). Use the mnemonic "SHE" (Stasis, Hypercoagulability, Endothelial damage) to recall these key risk factors. Understanding this triad helps you identify high-risk scenarios in NCLEX pulmonary embolism questions.
- Clinical Presentation & Assessment -
Classic signs include sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and hemoptysis (Cleveland Clinic). Don't forget to check for signs of right ventricular strain like JVD and hypotension in NCLEX respiratory questions. A focused cardiopulmonary exam guides rapid identification and prioritization.
- Diagnostic Modalities & Interpretation -
D-dimer >500 ng/mL suggests clot presence but lacks specificity, so follow up with CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or V/Q scan per NIH guidelines. Remember: "D for Danger" when D-dimer is elevated in low-risk patients. Accurate interpretation of imaging findings is tested frequently in pulmonary embolism NCLEX practice.
- Anticoagulation Therapy & Monitoring -
Initial management often starts with unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin, transitioning to warfarin with an INR goal of 2.0 - 3.0 as per ACCP recommendations. Use the mnemonic "HIT" (Heparin, INR, Transition) to remember key steps and monitor for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Mastering dosing and lab monitoring is crucial for NCLEX pulmonary embolism questions.
- Nursing Interventions & Patient Education -
Prioritize continuous pulse oximetry, maintain IV access, and assess for bleeding complications when patients receive anticoagulants (Johns Hopkins Medicine). Educate patients on leg exercises, early ambulation, and signs of recurrent PE using the "STOP" strategy: Stop activity, Tell provider, Observe bleeding, Prevent falls. Clear teaching boosts confidence and safety in real-world care and on the NCLEX pulmonary embolism quiz.