A patient admitted to the emergency department complaining of sudden onset shortness of breath 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 scans are the most commonly used test to diagnose pulmonary emboli and contrast media may be given IV. 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 scans are most useful in determining the presence of malignancy and a radioactive glucose preparation is used. For spirometry,the patient is asked to inhale deeply and exhale as long,hard,and fast as possible.

A Patient Admitted to the Emergency Department Complaining of Sudden