A patient with dyspnea and chest pain has the following diagnostic study results. The nurse suspects the patient has which condition? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | }
\hline \text { Diagnostic Study } & \text { Patient Results } \
\hline \text { Plasma D-dimer } & \text { Elevated } \
\hline \text { ECG } & \begin{array} { l }
\text { Nonspecific T-wave } \
\text { change }
\end{array} \
\hline \mathrm { pH } & 7.49 \
\hline \mathrm { PaO } _ { 2 } & 74 \mathrm { mmHg } \
\hline \mathrm { PaCO } _ { 2 } & 30 \mathrm { mmHg }\
\hline
\end{array}$$

Question

A patient with dyspnea and chest pain has the following diagnostic study results. The nurse suspects the patient has which condition? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | } 
\hline \text { Diagnostic Study } & \text { Patient Results } \
\hline \text { Plasma D-dimer } & \text { Elevated } \
\hline \text { ECG } & \begin{array} { l } 
\text { Nonspecific T-wave } \
\text { change }
\end{array} \
\hline \mathrm { pH } & 7.49 \
\hline \mathrm { PaO } _ { 2 } & 74 \mathrm { mmHg } \
\hline \mathrm { PaCO } _ { 2 } & 30 \mathrm { mmHg }\
\hline
\end{array}$$

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elevated plasma D-dimer suggests a possible thrombotic event, such as a pulmonary embolism. The respiratory alkalosis indicated by the elevated pH and decreased PaCO2 can be a compensatory mechanism to hyperventilation caused by the embolism. The ECG changes are nonspecific but can be seen in pulmonary embolism as well. The results do not suggest coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma attack.

A Patient with Dyspnea and Chest Pain Has the Following