Which clinical test is most useful for confirming a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism?
A)an X-ray
B)a ventilation-perfusion scan
C)an ultrasound
D)systemic arterial oxygen measurement
E)systemic venous oxygen measurement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is the most commonly used clinical test for confirming a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. This test involves injecting radioactive materials and imaging the lungs to determine if blood flow and oxygen exchange are disrupted, which can indicate the presence of a clot. X-rays, ultrasounds, and arterial and venous oxygen measurements may provide some useful information, but they are not as reliable or definitive as the V/Q scan.

Which Clinical Test Is Most Useful for Confirming a Diagnosis