Which of the following physical examination findings are ...

[c0205847]

Which of the following physical examination findings are consistent with the diagnosis of pul-monary embolism? 1. Congestive heart failure 2. Inspiratory crackles on auscultation 3. Loud P2 4. Tachypnea
 
  a. 2, 3, and 4 only
  b. 1 and 4 only
  c. 3 only
  d. 2 and 4 only

Question 2

What are the two most common findings on the electrocardiogram (ECG) in the patient with pulmonary embolism?
 
  a. Bradycardia and elevated ST segment
  b. Inverted T waves and depressed ST seg-ment
  c. Large P waves and inverted T waves
  d. Tachycardia and depressed ST segment

[stillxalice]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The most frequent physical examination findings include tachypnea, rales on chest examination, and tachycardia. These signs, like dyspnea, may be short-lived. Other common physical findings include an accentuated pulmonary component of the second heart sound (loud P2) consistent with pulmonary hypertension. Fever may be present in as many as 54 of patients.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The ECG is frequently abnormal in patients with pulmonary embolism (87 of the time), but the ECG abnormalities accompanying pulmonary embolism are nonspecific in most (70 to 75) cases; tachycardia and ST-segment depression are most common.