A D-dimer test is performed in a patient in whom a pulmonary embolism is suspected. The value comes back at 379 mg/L. What does this suggest?

a. Almost completely establishes the pres-ence of pulmonary embolism.
b. Almost completely rules out pulmonary embolism.
c. Establishes roughly a 50/50 chance of pulmonary embolism.
d. Is indeterminate but highly suggestive of pulmonary embolism.


ANS: B
The specificity D-dimer enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can exclude all but 5% to 10% of patients with acute pulmonary embolism, so this test has been used as an important early assessment. The specificity of the test is only 39%, but a value less than 500 mg/L has been shown to rule out venous thromboembolic disease in 98% of patients.

Health Professions

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Dependent children of a worker killed on the job are eligible to receive death benefits until they:

A) obtain a full-time job. (Select all that apply) B) reach age 18. C) reach age 25 if enrolled as a full-time college student. D) reach age 21.

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When a facility meets the requirements of the Joint Commission, Medicare may deem that it has also met the COP requirements, thereby granting ________ status

A) incorporated B) deemed C) conditional D) accreditation E) recognized

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Which of the following protocols would be indicated when a patient with increased alveolar-capillary membrane thickening has increased opacity on the chest radiograph, bronchial breath sounds, and a dull percussion note?

a. Aerosolized medication protocol b. Lung expansion protocol c. Oxygen therapy protocol d. Bronchopulmonary hygiene protocol

Health Professions

Select the correct statement regarding the disposal of records in a physician's office

A) Any document that identifies a patient by name should be disposed of in a way that ensures privacy. B) All documents should be disposed of in a way that ensures privacy. C) Only patient chart information should be disposed of in a way that ensures privacy. D) Only financial records should be shredded to ensure privacy.

Health Professions