Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

Which clinical feature is often seen with pulmonary embolism?

1. Fever and chills

2. Decreased breath sounds

3. Tachycardia

4. Fainting spells

The correct answer is: Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a common clinical feature associated with pulmonary embolism due to the body's response to reduced oxygenation and increased demand for blood flow. When a pulmonary embolism occurs, a blood clot obstructs blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, leading to impaired gas exchange and a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. As a compensatory mechanism, the heart rate increases to maintain cardiac output and ensure that sufficient oxygen is delivered to vital organs and tissues. This heightened heart rate can be a critical indicator of the severity of the pulmonary embolism and is often assessed during clinical evaluation. Other features, such as fever and chills, decreased breath sounds, or fainting spells, may be present in various conditions but are not definitive indicators of pulmonary embolism. In this context, tachycardia is a key sign that healthcare providers look for when diagnosing and managing this potentially life-threatening condition.