In pulmonary embolism, which finding may be observed?

In pulmonary embolism, which finding may be observed?

• A. Cough with sputum production.
• B. Hypoxemia with normal ventilation.
• C. Hypoxia on pulse oximetry.
• D. Hypercapnia without hypoxemia.

Answer: (C)

Pulmonary embolism blocks blood flow to parts of the lung, creating a mismatch between ventilation and perfusion. Ventilation can be normal in many areas, but perfusion is reduced, so less oxygen is picked up into the blood, leading to hypoxemia. This shows up as a low oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry. A productive cough isn’t a hallmark of PE, and hypercapnia without hypoxemia isn’t typical since PE usually causes low oxygen levels with or without ventilation changes. So observing a decreased SpO2 on pulse oximetry best fits the expected finding.

Pulmonary embolism blocks blood flow to parts of the lung, creating a mismatch between ventilation and perfusion. Ventilation can be normal in many areas, but perfusion is reduced, so less oxygen is picked up into the blood, leading to hypoxemia. This shows up as a low oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry. A productive cough isn’t a hallmark of PE, and hypercapnia without hypoxemia isn’t typical since PE usually causes low oxygen levels with or without ventilation changes. So observing a decreased SpO2 on pulse oximetry best fits the expected finding.