A patient is admitted to the emergency department complaining of sudden onset shortness of breath and is diagnosed with a possible pulmonary embolus.How should the nurse prepare the patient for diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spiral computed tomography (CT)scans are the most commonly used test to diagnose pulmonary emboli,and contrast media may be given IV.A chest x-ray may be ordered but will not be diagnostic for a pulmonary embolus.Preparation for a chest x-ray includes undressing and removing any metal.Bronchoscopy is used to detect changes in the bronchial tree,not to assess for vascular changes,and the patient should be NPO 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.Positron emission tomography (PET)scans are most useful in determining the presence of malignancy,and a radioactive glucose preparation is used.

A Patient Is Admitted to the Emergency Department Complaining of Sudden