Question

John, a 12-year-old with a fracture of the femur, has developed chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse suspects a pulmonary embolism. The priority nursing action is to?

1) Elevate the affected extremity.
2) Administer oxygen.
3) Administer pain medication.
4) Start an IV infusion of heparin.

Answer 1

The priority nursing action when a 12-year-old with a fracture of the femur develops chest pain and shortness of breath, and a pulmonary embolism is suspected, is to start an IV infusion of heparin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority nursing action when a 12-year-old with a fracture of the femur develops chest pain and shortness of breath, and a pulmonary embolism is suspected, is to start an IV infusion of heparin.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when there is a blood clot that breaks off and travels to the pulmonary artery, blocking blood flow to the lungs.

Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that can help prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of complications.

Elevating the affected extremity, administering oxygen, and administering pain medication may be necessary interventions, but starting an IV infusion of heparin is the priority nursing action to address the pulmonary embolism.