A Client Is Admitted with a Pulmonary Embolus

A client is admitted with a pulmonary embolus.  The nurse assesses restlessness, one-word dyspnea and shortness of breath with activity, tachycardia, pleuritic chest pain, and severe anxiety.  Arterial blood gases indicate respiratory alkalosis and hypoxemia.  When initiating the care plan, the nurse should choose which nursing diagnosis as the highest priority?

A) Activity intolerance related to imbalance between oxygen supply and demand
B) Acute pain related to inspiration and inflammation of pleura
C) Anxiety related to fear of the unknown, chest pain, and dyspnea
D) Impaired gas exchange related to ventilation-perfusion imbalance

Correct Answer:

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