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.
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Patients with internal hemorrhage will benefit MOST from:
A) IV therapy. B) high-flow oxygen. C) rapid transport. D) PASG placement.
The medical office should develop a(n) _______________ schedule to specify how long patient records should be kept.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).