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A client presents to the emergency department with suspected pulmonary embolism. What blood test can help assess the likelihood of pulmonary embolism and its severity?

A.

Complete blood count (CBC)

B.

Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis

C.

D-dimer assay

D.

Creatine kinase (CK) levels

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Incorrect. A complete blood count (CBC) provides information about the composition of blood cells but is not specific to pulmonary embolism.

B) Incorrect. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis helps assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels but is not a primary test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.

C) Correct. The D-dimer assay measures a substance released when a blood clot breaks up. Elevated D-dimer levels can suggest the presence of a blood clot, but it is not specific to pulmonary embolism.

D) Incorrect. Creatine kinase (CK) levels are used to assess muscle damage and are not a primary test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. This description is more related to coronary artery blockages, not pulmonary embolism.

B) Incorrect. This describes a different lung condition called pneumonia, not pulmonary embolism.

C) Correct. A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary arteries, typically caused by a blood clot traveling from elsewhere in the body.

D) Incorrect. This describes a characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Pregnancy can increase the risk of pulmonary embolism, especially during specific periods.

B) Correct. Pregnancy is a known risk factor for pulmonary embolism due to hormonal changes, increased clotting factors, and reduced mobility during pregnancy.

C) Incorrect. While the risk may be higher during the postpartum period, it can also occur during pregnancy.

D) Incorrect. While genetics can play a role, other factors associated with pregnancy contribute to the risk of pulmonary embolism.

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