A nurse is caring for a client who has developed pulmonary embolism (PE). Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse anticipate the provider to prescribe to confirm the client's condition?(Select All that Apply.)
D-dimer blood test
Complete blood count (CBC)
CT scan
Chest x-ray
Lung ventilation and perfusion scan (VQ scan)
Correct Answer : A,C,E
A. D-dimer blood test - A D-dimer test measures clot breakdown products in the blood. Elevated levels suggest the presence of an abnormal blood clot, such as in PE, although it is not specific.
B. Complete blood count (CBC) - A CBC is not typically used to diagnose PE. It may be ordered to check for other conditions or as part of the overall health assessment, but it doesn't confirm PE.
C. CT scan - A CT pulmonary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing PE. It provides detailed images of the blood vessels in the lungs.
D. Chest x-ray - A chest x-ray is not diagnostic for PE. It is often performed to rule out other causes of the client’s symptoms (e.g., pneumonia, pneumothorax) but does not confirm the presence of a pulmonary embolism.
E. Lung ventilation and perfusion scan (VQ scan)
A VQ scan is another diagnostic tool for PE, especially in clients who cannot tolerate contrast dye required for CT scans. It assesses the ventilation and perfusion of the lungs and identifies mismatches suggestive of PE.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Airway obstruction - Burns on the head, neck, and chest pose a high risk for airway obstruction due to swelling and potential inhalation injury. Ensuring a patent airway is the priority as it is critical for oxygenation and survival.
B. Paralytic ileus - While possible, a paralytic ileus is not an immediate life-threatening condition compared to airway obstruction.
C. Infection - Infection is a significant concern in burn patients, but it is a secondary priority after securing the airway.
D. Fluid imbalance - Fluid management is crucial in burn care, but securing the airway takes precedence due to the immediate risk to life from airway obstruction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Keep family members aware of his condition: While important, keeping family informed is not as directly impactful on the client’s emotional support as direct interaction with the client.
B. Talk with the client during wound care. Talking with the client during wound care can help to establish a trusting relationship, provide emotional support, and help the client cope with the pain and stress associated with burn treatment.
C. Rotate nursing staff so he can have varied interactions: Continuity of care is often more comforting to clients than having varied interactions.
D. Assign assistive personnel to keep his room neat and clean: This task is important for infection control but does not directly provide emotional support.
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