What indicator might suggest a patient has developed a pulmonary embolism?

Sudden shortness of breath is a critical indicator that may suggest a patient has developed a pulmonary embolism (PE). A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking a pulmonary artery. This blockage restricts blood flow to the lung tissue, leading to difficulty in oxygen exchange.

The sudden onset of shortness of breath is particularly alarming as it can manifest acutely and may be accompanied by other signs such as chest pain, a rapid heart rate, or cough. The body’s immediate reaction to reduced oxygen levels and impaired circulation results in this symptom, which can appear suddenly, making it distinct and particularly worrisome for clinicians assessing for a PE.

Other symptoms like severe fatigue and weakness, frequent headaches, or abdominal pain are less specific and can be attributed to a wider range of conditions, thus they are not as strong of indicators for a pulmonary embolism as sudden shortness of breath.