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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 C

Explanation

A. A pulmonary function test is used to assess lung diseases like COPD or asthma. It is not the primary diagnostic test for fluid overload and heart failure.
B. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is associated with early-onset COPD, but it does not relate to symptoms of fluid retention and heart failure as described in the question.
C. Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is correct. BNP is released when the ventricles stretch due to fluid overload, making it a key diagnostic marker for heart failure. Elevated BNP levels indicate increased cardiac filling pressures and volume overload, which match the client’s symptoms.
D. A Doppler ultrasound is useful for detecting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or vascular issues, but it does not assess systemic fluid retention and heart failure.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. A balloon inflation within the artery describes percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or angioplasty, not CABG.
B. A medication to dissolve a blood clot refers to thrombolytic therapy, which is not part of a CABG procedure.
C. Injecting dye to outline heart vessels describes a coronary angiogram, which is a diagnostic procedure but not a treatment.
D. CABG involves using a healthy artery or vein to bypass the blocked portion of a coronary artery, restoring proper blood flow to the heart muscle.

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