Question

A 28-year-old presents to the ED with sudden severe chest pain and dyspnea. Pretest probability is low; PERC criteria are all negative (age <50, pulse <100, SpO₂ >94%, no hemoptysis, no estrogen use, no unilateral leg swelling, no recent surgery/trauma, no prior VTE). What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

No further PE testing is required

Answer

Order D-dimer

Answer

Order CT pulmonary angiography

Answer

Begin empiric anticoagulation

Answer

Perform lower extremity ultrasound

Practice question

A 28-year-old presents to the ED with sudden severe chest pain and dyspnea. Pretest probability is low; PERC criteria are all negative (age <50, pulse <100, SpO₂ >94%, no hemoptysis, no estrogen use, no unilateral leg swelling, no recent surgery/trauma, no prior VTE). What is the next step?