A 83-year-old woman presents as triage level 2 with dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain 6 days after hip surgery. BP is 86/50 mm Hg, HR 126/min, oxygen

Question

A 83-year-old woman presents as triage level 2 with dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain 6 days after hip surgery. BP is 86/50 mm Hg, HR 126/min, oxygen saturation 88%, ECG shows sinus tachycardia, and bedside echo shows RV dilation. Which of the following is the most important immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Systemic thrombolysis after assessing contraindications

Answer

Nebulized albuterol as primary treatment

Answer

Discharge on oral apixaban

Answer

Compression stockings and observation

Answer

D-dimer testing before treatment

Massive pulmonary embolism — ABEM Board MCQ

A 83-year-old woman presents as triage level 2 with dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain 6 days after hip surgery. BP is 86/50 mm Hg, HR 126/min, oxygen saturation 88%, ECG shows sinus tachycardia, and bedside echo shows RV dilation. Which of the following is the most important immediate intervention?