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    RN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 Proctored Exam
    Select All That Apply

    The nurse is caring for a client. Which of the following 4 orders or prescriptions should the nurse anticipate? Select the 4 orders or prescriptions that the nurse should anticipate.

    Explanation & Rationale

    Rationale: A. Arterial blood gases will help evaluate the severity of hypoxemia and possible respiratory alkalosis from tachypnea, both of which are common in pulmonary embolism or acute respiratory distress. B. A CBC helps evaluate for infection (elevated WBCs) and baseline hemoglobin/hematocrit status, especially important postoperatively and in acute deterioration. C. Although the client is in respiratory distress, oxygen saturation is still 92% on supplemental oxygen and the client is awake and oriented. Intubation is not the immediate anticipated order; less invasive interventions would be tried first unless the client deteriorates further. D. The presentation is not primarily cardiac ischemia requiring catheterization. The symptoms are more consistent with pulmonary embolism or acute respiratory compromise rather than acute coronary syndrome. E. A chest X-ray is commonly obtained first to rule out other causes of dyspnea (e.g., pneumonia, atelectasis, pulmonary edema) and to provide baseline lung assessment, even though it may not definitively diagnose PE. F. BNP may be elevated if there is right-sided heart strain due to a pulmonary embolism or fluid overload. It helps assess cardiac involvement in acute dyspnea. G. MRI is not indicated for acute respiratory distress in this scenario. It is not useful for evaluating suspected pulmonary embolism or postoperative respiratory complications and would delay urgent care.

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