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What is the initial step in confirming a diagnosis for PAH?
R. heart catheterization
Pulmonary function testing
Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
The correct answer is: R. heart catheterization
To confirm a diagnosis for PAH, the initial step is R. heart catheterization. This is because R. heart catheterization allows for direct measurement of the blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, which is necessary in making a diagnosis for PAH. Pulmonary function testing (B) and chest X-ray (C) can help identify potential causes of PAH, but they do not directly confirm the diagnosis. Echocardiogram (D) can also be used to evaluate heart function, but it is not as specific for PAH as R. heart catheterization.