Hemoptysis may be present in the client with a pulmonary embolism because of which of the following reasons?
A. Alveolar damage in the infarcted area.
B. Involvement of major blood vessels in the occluded area.
C. Loss of lung parenchyma.
D. Loss of lung tissue.
Correct Answer: A. Alveolar damage in the infarcted area.
The infarcted area produces alveolar damage that can lead to the production of bloody sputum, sometimes in massive amounts.
Option B: Clot formation usually occurs in the legs. This is called deep vein thrombosis, which occurs in one or more of the deep veins in the legs.
Option C: Loss of lung parenchyma is not found with hemoptysis in pulmonary embolism. The lung parenchyma comprises a large number of thin-walled alveoli, forming an enormous surface area, which serves to maintain proper gas exchange.
Option D: A regional loss of surfactant is one of the consequences in pulmonary embolism.