The nurse is caring for a patient suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. The patient complains of chest pain and a low-grade fever. Which of the following signs and symptoms would support this diagnosis?
Explanation
•Signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, low-grade fever, blood-tinged sputum, and tachycardia. The onset of symptoms is usually sudden and intense.
•Bradycardia, thick sputum, and headache are not associated with pulmonary emboli.