Question

A pulmonary embolism (PE) can occur following DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) formation. Which of the following are potential PE symptom(s) presented by patients?

Please select all that are correct.
A. Sudden shortness of breath.
B. Increased urine output.
C. Tightness in chest or an unusual cough.
D. Irregular heart beat and palpitations.
E. Excessive bleeding.

Answer 1

A pulmonary embolism (PE) can present several symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, chest tightness or an unusual cough, and irregular heartbeats or palpitations. Increased urine output and excessive bleeding are not typically associated with PE. Immediate medical attention is required for PE due to its potential severity.

Step-by-step explanation:

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot, typically from a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), travels to the lungs and obstructs blood flow. The symptoms presented by patients can vary depending on the size and location of the clot. Potential symptoms of a PE include:

• Sudden shortness of breath: This may occur at rest or during physical activity.
• Tightness in the chest or an unusual cough: This can include a cough that may produce bloody or blood-streaked sputum.
• Irregular heartbeat and palpitations: These cardiac symptoms can occur due to the heart struggling to pump blood through obstructed pulmonary arteries.

Increased urine output and excessive bleeding are not typical symptoms of PE. It's critical for anyone experiencing symptoms of PE to seek medical attention immediately, as this condition can be life-threatening.