skip to main content

Pulmonary embolism — ABFM Board MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateRespiratoryPulmonary embolismABFM Board

A 36-year-old woman 2 weeks postpartum has sudden pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea. Pulse is 118/min, oxygen saturation is 92%, and the right calf is tender and swollen. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Send for urgent pulmonary embolism evaluation and anticoagulation consideration

Postpartum pleuritic chest pain with tachycardia, hypoxemia, and unilateral calf findings requires urgent PE evaluation.

Reference: American Family Physician clinical reviews and AAFP guidance: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp.html