Question

A 36-year-old woman presents to the ED with pleuritic chest pain. Vitals normal, SpO₂ 99% RA. Pretest probability for PE is low by clinical assessment; all Pulmonary Embolism Rule‑out Criteria (PERC) are met. What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

No further testing for PE is needed

Answer

Order CT pulmonary angiography

Answer

Obtain quantitative D‑dimer

Answer

Start anticoagulation while awaiting imaging

Answer

Apply YEARS algorithm and obtain D‑dimer regardless

Practice question

A 36-year-old woman presents to the ED with pleuritic chest pain. Vitals normal, SpO₂ 99% RA. Pretest probability for PE is low by clinical assessment; all Pulmonary Embolism Rule‑out Criteria (PERC) are met. What is the next step?