Which symptoms are common in a patient with a pulmonary embolism?

In a patient with a pulmonary embolism, acute onset dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain are hallmark symptoms. The mechanism involves a blockage of a pulmonary artery, typically by a clot that can impair gas exchange in the lungs, leading to sudden shortness of breath. This dyspnea can manifest acutely, often occurring without significant prior symptoms.

Pleuritic chest pain arises due to irritation of the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs, particularly when the lung tissue is affected by reduced blood flow. This pain is usually sharp and worsens with respiratory movements or cough, making it characteristic of pulmonary embolism rather than other conditions.

Other options provide symptoms that are atypical for pulmonary embolism. Chest tightness and bradycardia are not commonly associated, as bradycardia is more often linked to vagal stimulation or other cardiac conditions. A persistent cough and fever would suggest an infectious process, such as pneumonia, rather than a thromboembolic event. Wheezing and stridor typically indicate upper airway obstruction or certain lung disorders and are not specific to pulmonary embolism, which primarily alters gas exchange and causes different respiratory symptoms. Therefore, acute onset dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain identify the classic presentation of