When admitting a 45-year-old female with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, the nurse will assess the patient for the following risk factors:
A. Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for pulmonary embolism. Excess body weight can contribute to blood clot formation, which can lead to a pulmonary embolism.
C. Hypertension: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. Elevated blood pressure can strain the blood vessels and increase the likelihood of clot formation.
D. Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for pulmonary embolism. Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of clotting, making it a major concern for patients with this diagnosis.
Therefore, the nurse will assess the patient for obesity, hypertension, and cigarette smoking as potential risk factors for pulmonary embolism. It's important to note that while pneumonia is a serious condition, it is not typically considered a risk factor specifically for pulmonary embolism.