Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

For a female client with shortness of breath who recently started birth control, what is the priority nursing intervention?

1. Prepare for mechanical ventilation.

2. Administer oxygen via face mask.

3. Prepare to administer a sedative.

4. Assess for indications of pulmonary embolism.

The correct answer is: Administer oxygen via face mask.

The choice to prioritize the assessment for indications of pulmonary embolism is crucial, especially considering the client’s recent initiation of birth control and her symptom of shortness of breath. Birth control pills, particularly those containing estrogen, can increase the risk of thromboembolic events, such as pulmonary embolism. When a female client presents with shortness of breath, it's vital to investigate the underlying cause before taking other actions. By assessing for pulmonary embolism, the nurse can look for clinical signs such as sudden onset of dyspnea, chest pain, or coughing up blood, and also evaluate risk factors that may be exacerbated by the use of hormonal contraceptives. Quick identification of a serious condition like pulmonary embolism is essential to provide timely and appropriate intervention. Administering oxygen may support the client's breathing but does not address the potential underlying cause directly. In contrast, preparing for mechanical ventilation or administering a sedative would be inappropriate and potentially harmful actions without first determining the cause of the client's shortness of breath. Therefore, the priority is to assess for indications of pulmonary embolism to ensure patient safety and to guide further treatment effectively.