1. When assessing a patient during the Adult-Gerontology

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) practicum, the

presence of a widened mediastinum on chest X-ray is

suggestive of which condition?

a) Acute myocardial infarction

b) Pulmonary embolism

c) Aortic dissection

d) Pleural effusion

Correct answer: c) Aortic dissection

Rationale: A widened mediastinum on chest X-ray is often

seen in patients with aortic dissection, which is a lifethreatening condition. It is important for the AG-ACNP to

recognize this finding and initiate appropriate interventions

promptly.

2. During the AG-ACNP practicum, a patient presents with

sudden onset of severe chest pain, dyspnea, and tachypnea.

The nurse practitioner suspects a pulmonary embolism.

Which diagnostic test is considered the gold standard for

confirming this diagnosis?

a) Chest X-ray

b) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

c) Spiral computed tomography (CT) scan

d) Pulmonary angiography

Correct answer: d) Pulmonary angiography

Rationale: Pulmonary angiography is considered the gold

standard diagnostic test for confirming a pulmonary