Final answer:
Pulmonary embolism is a condition where a blood clot blocks a pulmonary artery, leading to potentially severe complications. A chest radiograph can help in the diagnosis, although more specific imaging is usually necessary. Treatment typically includes anticoagulant medications, thrombolytics, or surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot, often originating from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), breaks free and travels to the lungs, causing a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries. Patients with PE may experience symptoms and signs (S&S) such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and coughing, which can vary based on the size and placement of the clot. Risk factors for PE include prolonged immobility, surgery, cancer, smoking, and certain genetic conditions.
A chest radiograph (CXR) is commonly performed to assess the lung condition, although it may not always directly show a clot. Instead, it can reveal secondary signs of PE like pulmonary edema or may suggest alternative diagnoses like pneumonia, as in the cases of patients with suggestive symptoms. Diagnosis of PE is typically confirmed with more specific imaging studies such as a CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA).
Treatment (tx) for PE may include anticoagulant medications to prevent further clotting, thrombolytics to dissolve existing clots, or in severe cases, surgery. Prevention and early treatment are critical due to the complications PE can cause, such as lung damage or even sudden death due to interrupted blood flow and impaired gas exchange in the lungs.