Question

A 26-year-old primigravida at 28 weeks’ gestation presents with sudden pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath. She is tachycardic and mildly hypoxic. Clinical suspicion for pulmonary embolism is high. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Start low-molecular-weight Heparin while arranging objective imaging

Answer

Order a D-dimer test and wait for the result

Answer

Withhold anticoagulation until V/Q scan is reported

Answer

Start Warfarin immediately

Answer

Reassure and discharge with safety-netting

Practice question

A 26-year-old primigravida at 28 weeks’ gestation presents with sudden pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath. She is tachycardic and mildly hypoxic. Clinical suspicion for pulmonary embolism is high. What is the most appropriate immediate management?