Which of the following tests would be useful in diagnosing CHF or pulmonary edema?

The chest X-ray is a significant diagnostic tool for evaluating congestive heart failure (CHF) and pulmonary edema. Through imaging, it can reveal characteristic signs such as cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), pulmonary vascular congestion, and the presence of fluid in the lung interstitium or alveoli. These findings are crucial for confirming whether a patient is experiencing CHF or if pulmonary edema is present.

While the complete blood count, electrocardiogram, and urinalysis can provide useful information about a patient’s overall health or other conditions, they do not specifically confirm or diagnose CHF or pulmonary edema as effectively as a chest X-ray. The complete blood count may reveal signs of infection or anemia, the electrocardiogram can indicate heart rhythm issues or prior myocardial infarctions, and urinalysis primarily assesses kidney function and urinary tract issues. However, these tests do not specifically target the structural changes or fluid imbalances associated with CHF and pulmonary edema. Therefore, the chest X-ray stands out as the appropriate diagnostic tool in this scenario.