Assessing a patient with a pulmonary embolism

  • Unlikely to be a concern unless develops reduced conscious level (a late sign of serious organ failure)

    • Raised respiratory rate

    • Shortness of breath

    • Hypoxia, low oxygen saturations

    • Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)

    • Tachycardia

    • Hypotension

    • Signs of shock

    • Confusion, agitation or reduced conscious level due to hypoxia or shock ( a late sign)

    • Chest pain

  • There may be evidence of DVT, such as localised redness, swelling, heat and pain at the site of the DVT.

Stop and Think

If the patient is showing signs of haemodynamic instability (ie low blood pressure), this can indicate a high risk central PE. Escalate to a senior clinician and the critical care team to consider urgent treatment.