Question

A 30-year-old with pleuritic chest pain is low clinical suspicion for PE. Vitals: HR 88, RR 14, SaO₂ 98% RA. No hemoptysis, estrogen use, prior VTE, surgery/trauma, or unilateral leg swelling. Age <50. Best next step?

Accepted Answer

Apply PERC; no testing if all negative

Answer

CT pulmonary angiography now

Answer

D-dimer testing

Answer

Empiric anticoagulation

Answer

Ventilation-perfusion scan

Practice question

A 30-year-old with pleuritic chest pain is low clinical suspicion for PE. Vitals: HR 88, RR 14, SaO₂ 98% RA. No hemoptysis, estrogen use, prior VTE, surgery/trauma, or unilateral leg swelling. Age <50. Best next step?