Which signs and symptoms would lead a nurse to suspect that a client has a pulmonary embolism?

When suspecting a pulmonary embolism, specific signs and symptoms are indicative of the condition due to the way that blood clots affect the lungs and overall respiratory function. The presence of dyspnea (shortness of breath), tachypnea (rapid breathing), and tachycardia (increased heart rate) are hallmark signs.

Dyspnea arises because a pulmonary embolism can obstruct blood flow to the areas of the lung, leading to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. As a result, individuals may struggle to breathe normally, prompting a feeling of breathlessness. Tachypnea occurs as the body attempts to compensate for inadequate oxygenation by increasing the respiratory rate. Tachycardia, on the other hand, often occurs in response to low oxygen levels or as part of the body's stress response to the sudden event of a pulmonary embolism. Hence, the combination of these symptoms creates a clinical picture that strongly suggests a pulmonary embolism.

Other signs, such as chest pain and cough, can be associated with a range of conditions, and while they may occur alongside a pulmonary embolism, they are not specific enough to raise the suspicion without the accompanying respiratory distress signs. Similarly, fever and chills may indicate an infection, and abdominal pain with