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?

Complete blood count (CBC)

Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis

D-dimer assay

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Chest X-rays can show certain abnormalities but are not the primary diagnostic tool for pulmonary embolism.

B) Incorrect. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are used to assess heart rhythm and electrical activity but are not used to diagnose pulmonary embolism.

C) Incorrect. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used in some cases, but CTPA is the preferred test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.

D) Correct. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism as it can visualize blood clots in the pulmonary arteries.

A. "Pulmonary embolism primarily affects the heart, leading to heart failure." B. "It causes severe inflammation in the lungs, making breathing difficult." C. "Pulmonary embolism disrupts blood flow to the lungs and can be fatal." D. "It results in the collapse of the bronchial tubes, hindering airflow."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can strain the heart, it is primarily a result of disrupted blood flow to the lungs, not heart failure.

B) Incorrect. While pulmonary embolism can impact lung function, it does so through blocked blood flow rather than severe inflammation.

C) Correct. The most critical aspect of pulmonary embolism is the blockage of blood flow to the lungs, which can lead to severe oxygen deprivation and be fatal.

D) Incorrect. The collapse of bronchial tubes is not a characteristic of pulmonary embolism.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is explaining to a client why pulmonary embolism is considered a life-threatening condition. What aspect of pulmonary embolism should the nurse emphasize?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client recovering from major surgery asks a nurse about the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism postoperatively. What should the nurse include in the explanation of post-surgery risk factors?

A nurse is educating a client about the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize as a common and concerning presentation of pulmonary embolism?

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A nurse is providing education to a client who has been diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. The client asks, "What exactly is a pulmonary embolism?" How should the nurse respond?

A client asks a nurse if there are any lifestyle changes they can make to reduce the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. What advice should the nurse provide?

A nurse is educating a client with a history of pulmonary embolism on lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of recurrence. Which of the following recommendations is appropriate?

A nurse is explaining the risk factors for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to a client. The client asks about the connection between DVT and pulmonary embolism. What should the nurse tell the client?