Question

A client has been diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. The nurse anticipates that the physician will order which of the following medication therapies?

a) Antibiotics
b) Anticoagulants
c) Bronchodilators
d) Diuretics

Answer 1

The nurse anticipates that the physician will order:

b) Anticoagulants.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anticoagulants: The correct option is (b) anticoagulants. In the context of a pulmonary embolism, anticoagulant therapy is a standard and essential treatment. Anticoagulants help prevent the formation of new blood clots and the extension of existing clots, reducing the risk of further complications.

Anticoagulants: Pulmonary embolism involves the obstruction of pulmonary arteries by blood clots that travel from other parts of the body, most commonly the deep veins of the legs. Anticoagulant medications, such as heparin and warfarin, are prescribed to prevent the formation of additional clots and to inhibit the growth of existing ones. Heparin is often used initially, followed by oral anticoagulants like warfarin for long-term management.

Therefore, the appropriate and expected medication therapy for a client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism is anticoagulants (option b).