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Pulmonary embolism — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Pulmonary embolismUSMLE Step 3

A 46-year-old woman develops pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea 10 days after knee surgery. Oxygen saturation is 90%, heart rate is 118/min, and blood pressure is 122/76 mm Hg. CT pulmonary angiography shows segmental pulmonary emboli. She has no active bleeding. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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

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Correct answer: B — Start therapeutic anticoagulation

Hemodynamically stable pulmonary embolism without contraindication is treated with therapeutic anticoagulation.

Reference: CHEST Antithrombotic Therapy for VTE Disease Guideline