Question

A 67-year-old with high pretest probability of pulmonary embolism (massive unilateral leg swelling, HR 120, hypoxia) is awaiting CT pulmonary angiography. What is the best immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Start anticoagulation now before imaging

Answer

Wait for imaging before treatment

Answer

Order D-dimer to confirm

Answer

Order bilateral Doppler ultrasound only

Answer

Give tPA immediately

Practice question

A 67-year-old with high pretest probability of pulmonary embolism (massive unilateral leg swelling, HR 120, hypoxia) is awaiting CT pulmonary angiography. What is the best immediate action?