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Which diagnostic test may be prescribed to evaluate for the presence of a pulmonary embolism?

A.

Stress testing

B.

D-Dimer

C.

Electrocardiogram

D.

Pulmonary function testing

Answer and Explanation

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.
 


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Related Questions

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.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "Try taking a mild analgesic to relieve the headache." is correct. Nitroglycerin-induced headaches are a common side effect due to vasodilation. Mild analgesics such as acetaminophen can help alleviate the discomfort.
B. Taking only one dose to reduce the risk of a headache is inappropriate. The client should follow the prescribed dosing regimen to manage angina effectively. Skipping doses may increase the risk of angina attacks.
C. Requesting a different medication is not necessary. Nitroglycerin is an effective treatment for stable angina, and headaches typically diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
D. Stating that nothing can be done to relieve the headaches is incorrect. Headaches from nitroglycerin can be managed with mild analgesics or by adjusting the timing of medication administration.

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