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 B
Explanation
A. "A piece of healthy skin will be removed from an unburned area and grafted over the burned area.": This describes a skin graft, not an escharotomy.
B. "Large incisions will be made in the eschar to improve circulation." An escharotomy involves making large incisions through the eschar (the tough, leathery scab or crust that forms over a severely burned area) to relieve pressure and improve blood flow to the affected area. This procedure is often necessary to prevent complications such as compartment syndrome and to enhance circulation in burn patients.
C. "The procedure involves placing the client into a shower and removing the dead tissue.": This describes debridement, not an escharotomy.
D. "Dead tissue will be non-surgically removed.": Non-surgical removal of dead tissue is debridement, not an escharotomy, which is a surgical procedure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hemoglobin level:While knowing the hemoglobin level helps determine the need for the transfusion, it is generally assessed and ordered by the provider before the transfusion is prescribed. It is important information but not the most immediate data required directly before administering the PRBCs.
B. Fluid intake:Monitoring fluid balance is important, especially in clients at risk for fluid overload, but it is not as immediately critical as temperature in detecting potential reactions to the transfusion.
C. Temperature:A baseline temperature is crucial to monitor for febrile reactions during the transfusion. Any significant rise in temperature can signal a transfusion reaction, which requires immediate intervention.
D. Skin color:Skin color can provide information on overall oxygenation and perfusion but is not as specific or immediately useful as temperature for monitoring for transfusion reactions.
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