Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with acute onset of pleuritic chest pain and mild dyspnea. Hemodynamically stable, normotensive, and saturating well on room air. PESI score indicates low-risk category. No syncope, hemoptysis, or signs of DVT reported. Symptoms are localized, non-radiating, and consistent with subsegmental or small-burden pulmonary embolism.
Clinical Examination Findings
General: Patient appears in no acute distress. Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm, S1/S2 normal, no murmurs, rubs, or gallops. Jugular venous pressure is not elevated. Respiratory: Lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally, no wheezing or crackles. Extremities: No unilateral calf swelling, tenderness, or pitting edema noted. Homanโs sign negative.
Treatment Protocol
Initiate therapeutic anticoagulation with DOAC (e.g., Apixaban or Rivaroxaban) per current guidelines for low-risk PE. Monitor for signs of bleeding. Patient is stable for outpatient management or short-stay observation. Schedule follow-up imaging and clinical reassessment in 3-6 months.