Which diagnostic test may be prescribed to evaluate for the presence of a pulmonary embolism?
Stress testing
D-Dimer
Electrocardiogram
Pulmonary function testing
The Correct Answer is B
A. Stress testing evaluates cardiac function and ischemia but is not used to diagnose a pulmonary embolism (PE).
B. D-Dimer is correct. D-Dimer is a blood test that detects fibrin degradation products, which are elevated when a blood clot forms and breaks down, making it a useful screening test for pulmonary embolism. However, a positive D-Dimer is not diagnostic, and further imaging (e.g., CT pulmonary angiography) is required.
C. Electrocardiogram (ECG) may show changes (e.g., sinus tachycardia, right heart strain) but does not confirm PE.
D. Pulmonary function testing assesses lung diseases like COPD or asthma but is not used to diagnose PE.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Intermittent claudication with pallor is typically associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD) rather than myocardial infarction.
B. Jugular vein distention and dependent edema are signs of right-sided heart failure, which may develop after an MI but are not classic acute MI symptoms.
C. Mid-epigastric pain and heartburn can sometimes be confused with MI symptoms, but heartburn alone is not diagnostic of an MI.
D. Diaphoresis and cool clammy skin are correct. These symptoms occur due to sympathetic nervous system activation in response to cardiac ischemia, leading to vasoconstriction, sweating, and signs of impending shock.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Use of accessory muscles during inspiration is common in COPD as clients work harder to breathe. While this indicates respiratory distress, it is not necessarily an immediate emergency.
B. Large amounts of thick white sputum can indicate mucus production, which is common in COPD. If the sputum were yellow or green, it could suggest infection, requiring further assessment.
C. A barrel chest and clubbing are chronic changes in COPD due to prolonged air trapping and hypoxia. These findings do not require immediate intervention.
D. Oxygen flowmeter set on 8 LPM is correct. High-flow oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive in COPD clients, leading to respiratory depression. The nurse should immediately lower the oxygen to a safer level (typically 1-3 LPM) and monitor the client’s respiratory status.
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