Name two signs that would raise suspicion for pulmonary embolism in a patient with sudden dyspnea.

Name two signs that would raise suspicion for pulmonary embolism in a patient with sudden dyspnea.

• A. Pleuritic chest pain and tachycardia
• B. Cough and wheezing
• C. Fever and sore throat
• D. Dizziness and bradycardia

Answer: (A)

In acute dyspnea, signs that raise suspicion for pulmonary embolism include pleuritic chest pain and tachycardia. Pleuritic chest pain is sharp and worsens with deep breaths because a clot irritates the lung lining. Tachycardia reflects the body's response to reduced oxygenation and stress on the heart. The other options align more with infections (fever, sore throat) or airway diseases (cough, wheezing) or non-specific signs (dizziness with bradycardia), which are less indicative of PE. So, pleuritic chest pain together with tachycardia best indicate potential pulmonary embolism.