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) Incorrect. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during expiration and is not associated with crackling sounds.

B) Incorrect. Rhonchi are continuous low-pitched sounds heard during both inspiration and expiration, usually due to airway obstruction.

C) Incorrect. Stridor is a high-pitched, crowing sound that occurs during inspiration and suggests upper airway obstruction.

D) Correct. Rales, also known as crackles, are crackling or popping sounds heard during inspiration and can be indicative of fluid or inflammation in the lungs, which can occur with pulmonary embolism.

A) Incorrect. Intravenous antibiotics are not typically used as the initial treatment for pulmonary embolism. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not blood clots.

B) Correct. Anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin, is often the initial treatment for pulmonary embolism to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of complications.

C) Incorrect. Emergency surgical removal of the embolism is considered in severe cases but is not the common initial treatment approach.

D) Incorrect. Placement of a chest tube for drainage is not a standard treatment for pulmonary embolism; it is used for conditions involving pleural effusion or pneumothorax.