Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What symptom is most commonly associated with postoperative pulmonary embolism?

1. Sweating

2. Chest pain that worsens with deep breaths

3. Abdominal pain

4. Lower extremity swelling

The correct answer is: Chest pain that worsens with deep breaths

Postoperative pulmonary embolism is most commonly associated with chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, often referred to as pleuritic chest pain. This symptom arises because the embolism affects the lung's blood vessels, causing inflammation and irritation in the pleura—the membranes surrounding the lungs. When a patient takes a deep breath, the increased lung expansion can exacerbate the pain due to this irritation. This type of chest pain can also be accompanied by other classical symptoms of pulmonary embolism, such as shortness of breath and an increased respiratory rate. The occurrence of chest pain upon deep breathing distinguishes it from other types of pain that may be felt in the abdominal region or as a generalized discomfort that doesn't change with movement or breathing. The recognition of this symptom is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolism, especially in postoperative patients who are at increased risk due to factors such as immobility, surgical manipulation of veins, and potential coagulation abnormalities. While sweating, abdominal pain, and lower extremity swelling might occur in various clinical situations, they are not the primary symptoms characteristic of pulmonary embolism, making chest pain that increases with deep breathing the most prominent and relevant indicator in this context.