Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What test is essential to confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension?

1. Angiography

2. Echocardiography

3. Electrocardiography

4. Cardiac catheterization

The correct answer is: Cardiac catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is essential for confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. This invasive procedure allows direct measurement of pressures in the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart, providing definitive evidence of elevated pulmonary artery pressure, which is the hallmark of pulmonary hypertension. During cardiac catheterization, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or arm, and guided to the heart. This technique not only measures hemodynamic parameters but can also assess the responsiveness of pulmonary hypertension to treatment with vasodilators, which is crucial for guiding future management. While echocardiography is a non-invasive and commonly used initial screening tool for estimating pulmonary artery pressures, it is not definitive and can be influenced by several factors. It helps in the detection of possible right heart strain or other signs suggesting pulmonary hypertension but does not provide the direct measurements necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Angiography is primarily used to visualize blood vessels, often for diagnosing blockages or abnormalities in coronary arteries, and electrocardiography focuses on the heart’s electrical activity rather than direct pressure measurements, making these options less relevant for confirming pulmonary hypertension.