A client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism complains of sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse auscultates the client's chest and notes crackling sounds during inspiration. Which term describes these crackling sounds?

A) Incorrect. Visualizing the heart's electrical activity is typically done with an electrocardiogram (ECG), not a V/Q scan.

B) Correct. A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is used to assess lung function and oxygenation and to detect areas of the lung where blood flow and air ventilation do not match, which can indicate a pulmonary embolism.

C) Incorrect. Measuring blood clotting time is typically done using coagulation tests such as prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

D) Incorrect. Evaluating kidney function is not the primary purpose of a V/Q scan.

A) Incorrect. Prolonged sitting during travel, especially on long flights, can increase the risk of pulmonary embolism due to immobility.

B) Incorrect. Long-term anticoagulant therapy is often prescribed to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism, not increase it.

C) Correct. Prolonged immobility, such as sitting for long hours or bed rest, is a significant risk factor for pulmonary embolism.

D) Incorrect. Recent surgery, trauma, or hospitalization can increase the risk of developing pulmonary embolism due to factors such as immobility and altered blood clotting.