Final answer:
Suspect a pulmonary embolism in patients of childbearing age showing sudden difficulty in breathing, particularly if recently delivered, due to the higher risk of DVT and changes in the respiratory system during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
You should suspect pulmonary embolism in patients of childbearing age who have sudden onset of difficulty breathing. Patients who have recently delivered are at an increased risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism if a blood clot travels to the lungs. Furthermore, pregnancy induces changes in the respiratory system, increasing the volume of gas inhaled or exhaled per minute, along with other physiological changes that could predispose to shortness of breath or dyspnea.
Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, a feeling of giddiness, and pallor of the skin, along with signs of reduced oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxemia), as indicated by a pulse oximeter, are clinical indicators that may point to a pulmonary embolism. Immediate medical attention is critical as a pulmonary embolism can compromise gas exchange in the lungs and can potentially be life-threatening.