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Pulmonary embolism after surgery — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Pulmonary embolism after surgeryUSMLE Step 3

A 61-year-old woman 5 days after knee arthroplasty has acute dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. Blood pressure is 128/76 mm Hg, oxygen saturation is 91%, and CT pulmonary angiography confirms segmental pulmonary emboli. Which of the following is the most appropriate at this time?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Start therapeutic anticoagulation if bleeding risk is acceptable

Hemodynamically stable pulmonary embolism is treated with anticoagulation unless contraindicated.

Reference: CHEST venous thromboembolism guideline