Author: Liz Murray / Editor: Fiona Mendes / Reviewer: Ciaran Mackle / Codes: / Published: 26/07/2023
An 18-year-old female complaining of worsening shortness of breath and chest pain has arrived at your Emergency Department (ED). She has collapsed twice this morning and recently returned from a visit to Africa. She has no medical co-morbidities. Her only medication is a daily oral contraceptive pill. The paramedics report her oxygen saturations were 75% on room air.
Initial observations in the resus room:
Sp02 94% on 15L
Respiratory Rate 28 breaths per minute
Blood Pressure 110/62mmHg
Heart rate 125 beats per minute
Temperature 37.6oC
You suspect that this patient has a pulmonary embolism.
