Which signs are typical of pulmonary embolism?

• A. Hypertension and bradycardia
• B. Chronic cough and weight gain
• C. Acute dyspnea, hypoxemia, tachycardia
• D. Abdominal pain

Answer: (C)

Pulmonary embolism most often shows sudden onset shortness of breath with reduced oxygen in the blood and a fast heart rate because a clot abruptly blocks pulmonary arteries, creating ventilation–perfusion mismatch and dead space. The lung is ventilated but not perfused, so oxygen transfer drops (hypoxemia), and the body responds with tachycardia to maintain tissue perfusion. Chest discomfort can occur and may be pleuritic, and other signs like rapid breathing or anxiety may appear, but the hallmark trio is acute dyspnea, hypoxemia, and tachycardia. The other options don’t fit this acute, vascular event: hypertension and bradycardia are not typical; chronic cough with weight gain suggests a chronic process rather than an abrupt embolus; abdominal pain is unrelated to the pathophysiology of PE.