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Postpartum pulmonary embolism — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardPulmonary emergenciesPostpartum pulmonary embolismABEM Board

A 29-year-old woman arrives as ESI 2 with dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain 1 week after cesarean delivery. BP 100/62, HR 124, SpO2 91%. D-dimer is not useful; chest x-ray is normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate imaging study?

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

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Correct answer: B — CT pulmonary angiography

Postpartum status increases PE risk; CTPA is appropriate with dyspnea, hypoxemia, and normal chest x-ray when PE is suspected.

Reference: ACOG thromboembolism guidance; ACEP VTE clinical policy