Question

A 35-year-old low-risk ED patient with suspected PE has no hemoptysis, pulse 84/min, SpO₂ 98% on room air at sea level, no estrogen use, no unilateral leg swelling, no recent surgery/trauma, age <50, and no prior VTE. What is the best next step?

Accepted Answer

Apply PERC and forgo further testing

Answer

D-dimer testing

Answer

CT pulmonary angiography

Answer

Start therapeutic anticoagulation

Answer

Ventilation-perfusion scan

Practice question

A 35-year-old low-risk ED patient with suspected PE has no hemoptysis, pulse 84/min, SpO₂ 98% on room air at sea level, no estrogen use, no unilateral leg swelling, no recent surgery/trauma, age <50, and no prior VTE. What is the best next step?