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Pulmonary embolism — RACP Written MCQ

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HardRespiratoryPulmonary embolismRACP Written

A 55-year-old woman develops sudden pleuritic chest pain 5 days after knee arthroplasty. Heart rate is 118/min, oxygen saturation 91%, ECG shows sinus tachycardia and D-dimer is elevated. Creatinine is normal. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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

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Correct answer: E — CT pulmonary angiography

Postoperative pleuritic pain with hypoxaemia is high risk for pulmonary embolism. CT pulmonary angiography is the preferred confirmatory test when renal function permits.

Reference: Australian Asthma Handbook; TSANZ guidance; Therapeutic Guidelines: Respiratory