A client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism complains of sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse auscultates the client's chest and notes crackling sounds during inspiration. Which term describes these crackling sounds?

A) Incorrect. Chest X-rays can show certain abnormalities but are not the primary diagnostic tool for pulmonary embolism.

B) Incorrect. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are used to assess heart rhythm and electrical activity but are not used to diagnose pulmonary embolism.

C) Incorrect. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used in some cases, but CTPA is the preferred test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.

D) Correct. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism as it can visualize blood clots in the pulmonary arteries.

A) Correct. Smoking cessation is an important lifestyle modification to reduce the risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism. Smoking is a risk factor for blood clot formation.

B) Incorrect. Limiting physical activity is not recommended, as moderate physical activity can be beneficial. However, strenuous activity may need to be adjusted depending on the individual's condition and treatment.

C) Incorrect. A high-sodium diet is not recommended, as excessive sodium intake can contribute to hypertension, which is a risk factor for blood clots.

D) Incorrect. Avoiding vaccinations is not relevant to the prevention of pulmonary embolism. Vaccinations are essential for preventing certain infections.