Pulmonary Embolism Suspected : Triage

Pulmonary embolism (PE) stands as a significant medical concern, positioned as the third leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. This condition arises when a blood clot, typically originating from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities, travels through the bloodstream to occlude the pulmonary arteries. The primary consequence of this obstruction is the potential for acute right ventricular (RV) failure, which poses a severe risk to life due to the heart's diminished ability to pump blood efficiently through the lungs for oxygenation.

The pathophysiology of PE can be understood through several key steps:

1. Formation of a Thrombus: Typically begins with DVT, where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs. Factors contributing to DVT include stasis of blood (e.g., prolonged immobility), endothelial damage (e.g., from surgery or trauma), and hypercoagulability (e.g., genetic conditions or certain medications).

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3. Embolization: A fragment of the thrombus dislodges and travels through the venous system, eventually reaching the pulmonary arteries. This migration can happen quickly, and the size of the embolus determines the extent of the obstruction in the pulmonary circulation.

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5. Pulmonary Circulation Obstruction: The embolus lodges in the pulmonary arteries, blocking blood flow. Smaller clots may obstruct peripheral branches, causing localized issues,...