A patient is showing signs of restlessness and difficulty breathing. What condition should the nurse suspect?

The presence of restlessness and difficulty breathing in a patient can point towards a serious respiratory issue, and when considering the options, pulmonary embolism is particularly noteworthy. In a case of pulmonary embolism, a blood clot lodges in a pulmonary artery, obstructing blood flow to the lungs. This can lead to rapid breathing, a feeling of anxiety or impending doom, and decreased oxygenation, which may manifest as restlessness.

Typically, pulmonary embolism develops suddenly and can produce symptoms that are acute in nature, aligning well with the patient's signs of distress. Other associated signs may include chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, coughing (potentially with blood), and a rapid heart rate, all indicating a critical situation that requires immediate medical attention.

While pneumonia, atelectasis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can also lead to breathing difficulties and restlessness, they often present with a different timeline and set of symptoms. For instance, pneumonia would likely show signs of infection, atelectasis often happens post-surgically due to collapsed lung sections, and ARDS generally develops over a period of time often related to trauma or sepsis. The acute onset and severity of symptoms with pulmonary embolism make it the most likely condition in this scenario