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?

A) Correct. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is often used as an initial screening tool for pulmonary embolism, as it provides detailed images of the pulmonary arteries.

B) Incorrect. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used in some cases but is less commonly employed as an initial screening tool for pulmonary embolism.

C) Incorrect. Chest X-ray is typically not sensitive enough to diagnose pulmonary embolism directly but may show other related findings, such as an enlarged heart or lung abnormalities.

D) Incorrect. Electrocardiogram (ECG) may help identify signs of right heart strain or dysfunction caused by a pulmonary embolism but is not a primary diagnostic tool for detecting emboli in the pulmonary arteries.

A) Incorrect. Hemoptysis refers to coughing up blood, which is not described in the client's symptoms.

B) Incorrect. Orthopnea is the inability to breathe comfortably when lying flat and is not the best description of the client's symptoms.

C) Incorrect. Syncope refers to fainting or loss of consciousness, which is not the primary symptom described.

D) Correct. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, along with lightheadedness and rapid heart rate, is a common presentation of pulmonary embolism.