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Postoperative pulmonary embolism — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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

A 68-year-old man is 5 days after hip arthroplasty and develops pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea. Heart rate is 118/min, blood pressure 112/68 mm Hg, and oxygen saturation 90% on room air. CT pulmonary angiography shows segmental pulmonary emboli. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Start therapeutic anticoagulation

Confirmed postoperative pulmonary embolism in a hemodynamically stable patient requires therapeutic anticoagulation unless contraindicated.

Reference: CHEST venous thromboembolism guideline: https://journal.chestnet.org/