Deck 20: Pulmonary Embolism

Question 1

Bronchospasm may happen after a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following can lead to this bronchospasm?
1) Localized hypoxemia
2) Localized hypercapnia
3) Localized hypocapnia
4) Release of cellular mediators from platelets

A)1, 2
B)2, 4
C)1, 3
D)1, 3, 4

Answer 1

1, 3, 4

Question 2

Which of the following fibrinolytic agents is/are used to treat a pulmonary embolism?
1) Urokinase
2) Vitamin K
3) Heparin
4) Streptokinase

A)1, 4
B)2, 3
C)1, 3, 4
D)1, 2, 3, 4

Answer 2

1, 3, 4

Question 3

All of the following are associated with the formation of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) EXCEPT:

A) blood vessel injury.
B)age greater than 40 years.
C)hypercoagulability.
D)venous stasis.

Answer 3

age greater than 40 years.

Question 4

The sudden onset of which of the following signs and symptoms indicate a pulmonary embolism:
1) wheezing.
2) coughing out blood-streaked sputum.
3) cyanosis.
4) sudden shortness of breath.

A)3, 4
B)1, 2
C)2, 3, 4
D)1, 2, 3, 4

Question 5

Your patient is suspected of having one or more pulmonary emboli. He is tested by inhaling a radioactive gas and receiving an intravenous injection of radiolabeled particles. Which test results on his ventilation-perfusion lung scans will prove he has a pulmonary embolism?
1) Normal blood flow through the lungs
2) Decreased blood flow through the lungs
3) Normal ventilation through the lungs
4) Decreased ventilation through the lungs

A)2
B)4
C)2, 3
D)1, 4

Question 6

The duplex venous ultrasonography test is used to:

A) diagnose a blood clot below the knee.
B)identify a saddle embolism.
C)diagnose a blood clot behind the knee or thigh.
D)identify a pulmonary infarction.

Question 7

All of the following are preventative measures taken with patients at high risk for thromboembolic disease EXCEPT:

A) to drink lots of water.
B)to dangle your legs over the edge of the bed before getting up.
C)to walk frequently.
D)to wear compression stockings.

Question 8

Your patient's D-dimer blood test results show a value of 250 ng/mL. How should these results be interpreted?

A) The patient does not have a pulmonary embolism.
B)The patient's anticoagulant level is acceptable.
C)The patient has a pulmonary embolism.
D)The patient has a deep vein thrombosis.

Question 9

Predisposing factors of pulmonary emboli include:
1) varicose veins.
2) smoking.
3) obesity.
4) congestive heart failure.

A)2, 4
B)1, 3
C)1, 2, 4
D)1, 2, 3, 4

Question 10

A pulmonary angiogram is usually ordered:

A) as the first test to identify a pulmonary embolism.
B)when other tests for a pulmonary embolism are inconclusive.
C)in conjunction with a magnetic resonance image to identify a pulmonary embolism.
D)in conjunction with an extremity venogram to identify a pulmonary embolism.

Question 11

Which of the following is/are major mechanism(s) that contribute to the pulmonary hypertension commonly seen in a patient with a pulmonary embolism?
1) Decreased cross-section area of the pulmonary vascular system
2) Vasoconstriction induced by alveolar hypoxia
3) Reflexes from the aortic and carotid sinus baroreceptors
4) Vasoconstriction induced by humoral agents

A)1
B)2, 3
C)1, 2, 4
D)1, 2, 3, 4

Question 12

The death of lung tissue that may result from an obstruction of the pulmonary artery is called a:

A) pulmonary embolism.
B)pleural effusion.
C)pulmonary infarction.
D)pulmonary empyema.

Question 13

A pulmonary embolism causes which of the following major pathologic and structural changes in the lungs?
1) Alveolar consolidation
2) Mucosal edema
3) Alveolar atelectasis
4) Pleural friction rub

A)1, 3
B)2, 4
C)2, 3, 4
D)1, 2, 3, 4

Question 14

Your patient is now fully recovered from the condition that caused her to have a pulmonary embolism. As a precaution, the physician will have her take which of the following anticoagulant medications for a few months at home?

A) High-molecular-weight heparin
B)Low-molecular-weight heparin
C)Alteplase
D)Warfarin

Question 15

The best test for diagnosing a suspected pulmonary embolism is a/an:

A) spiral computerized tomography scan.
B)pulmonary function test.
C)electrocardiogram.
D)chest radiograph.