Maria Perez, a 53 year old patient, is day 1 after a gastric bypass. She complains of shortness of breath; her respiration rate is 30 breaths/min, heart rate is 110 bpm, pulse oximetry 89% on room air, temperature is 100 F, and her blood pressure is 90/50 mmHg. She complains of feeling anxious and having stabbing chest pain which gets worse with inspiration. She complains that she feels like she is going to pass out or possibly die.
a. What could probably be going on with the patient and what measures should the nurse provide immediately?
b. What risk factors does the patient have for pulmonary embolus?
c. What measures are appropriate to manage pulmonary embolism?
d. What measures are appropriate to help the patient in this case study prevent the reoccurence of pulmonary embolism?