How it Works
Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

A client presents to the emergency department with suspected pulmonary embolism. What blood test can help assess the likelihood of pulmonary embolism and its severity?

A.

Complete blood count (CBC)

B.

Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis

C.

D-dimer assay

D.

Creatine kinase (CK) levels

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Incorrect. A complete blood count (CBC) provides information about the composition of blood cells but is not specific to pulmonary embolism.

B) Incorrect. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis helps assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels but is not a primary test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.

C) Correct. The D-dimer assay measures a substance released when a blood clot breaks up. Elevated D-dimer levels can suggest the presence of a blood clot, but it is not specific to pulmonary embolism.

D) Incorrect. Creatine kinase (CK) levels are used to assess muscle damage and are not a primary test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.


Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Free Nursing Study Resources

Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent, not a long-term anticoagulant, and it is typically not used as the primary treatment for pulmonary embolism.

B) Correct. Warfarin (Coumadin) is commonly used for long-term anticoagulation in individuals with a history of recurrent pulmonary embolism. It helps prevent the formation of new blood clots.

C) Incorrect. Insulin is used to manage blood sugar levels in diabetes and is not a medication for anticoagulation.

D) Incorrect. Nitroglycerin is used to relieve chest pain (angina) related to heart conditions but is not an anticoagulant.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Oxygen therapy is not administered to increase heart rate but rather to improve oxygen delivery to tissues.

B) Incorrect. While oxygen therapy may help alleviate anxiety related to shortness of breath, its primary goal is to address oxygenation.

C) Correct. The primary goal of oxygen therapy in pulmonary embolism is to improve oxygen saturation and tissue oxygenation, as pulmonary embolism can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood.

D) Incorrect. Oxygen therapy is not used to lower blood pressure but rather to address oxygenation and tissue oxygen delivery.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Register