PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the PAEA Surgery EOR Exam. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and detailed explanations. Gear up for your surgical rotation success!

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How is the D-dimer test useful in relation to DVT?

  1. Helps diagnose DVT directly

  2. Good at ruling DVT out if negative

  3. Indicates severity of DVT

  4. Confirms the presence of anticoagulation

The correct answer is: Good at ruling DVT out if negative

The D-dimer test is particularly valuable in the context of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because it helps in ruling out the condition when the test result is negative. D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product that is typically elevated in the presence of blood clots, including DVT. However, its primary clinical utility lies in its negative predictive value. When a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of DVT, the D-dimer test can be ordered after a clinical assessment. If the D-dimer level is low (or negative), it indicates a very low probability that a DVT is present, allowing clinicians to rule out the condition without the need for more invasive diagnostic procedures, such as ultrasound or venography. This is particularly useful because it avoids unnecessary imaging and reduces healthcare costs while expediting clinical decision-making. In contrast, while a positive D-dimer can suggest the presence of a clot, it is not specific to DVT, as elevated levels can occur in various other conditions, including recent surgery, trauma, cancer, and infections. Therefore, a positive result cannot confirm DVT and must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and further imaging studies. Thus, the D-dimer test is predominantly effective in excluding DVT rather