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A nurse is caring for a client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. Which diagnostic test is commonly used to confirm the presence of a pulmonary embolism?

A.

Chest X-ray

B.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

C.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

D.

Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

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.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can strain the heart, it is primarily a result of disrupted blood flow to the lungs, not heart failure.

B) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can impact lung function, it does so through blocked blood flow rather than severe inflammation.

C) Correct. The most critical aspect of pulmonary embolism is the blockage of blood flow to the lungs, which can lead to severe oxygen deprivation and be fatal.

D) Incorrect. The collapse of bronchial tubes is not a characteristic of pulmonary embolism.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Pulmonary embolism does not directly affect the bronchial tubes or cause airway constriction.

B) Incorrect. While inflammation can occur as a response to pulmonary embolism, its primary impact is on blood flow, not the alveoli.

C) Correct. The main effect of pulmonary embolism is the disruption of blood flow to lung tissue, reducing oxygen supply.

D) Incorrect. Excessive mucus production is not a characteristic effect of pulmonary embolism.

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