skip to main content

Pulmonary embolism in pregnancy — ACEM Fellowship MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardRespiratory emergenciesPulmonary embolism in pregnancyACEM Fellowship

A 30-year-old woman at 28 weeks gestation presents to an Auckland ED, triage category 2, with pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. BP 116/70, HR 112, SpO2 95%. CXR is normal, DVT ultrasound is negative and clinical suspicion for pulmonary embolism remains high. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — CT pulmonary angiography with pregnancy counselling

With persistent high suspicion after normal CXR and negative leg ultrasound, CTPA or VQ imaging should be selected after informed counselling.

Reference: RANZCOG/eTG VTE in pregnancy; ACEM respiratory curriculum