The Hematologic System ATI Related

Review The Hematologic System ATI related questions and content

A 16-year-old female presents to the emergency room with a new complaint of chest pain. When performing a review of systems and physical examination, which of the following would substantially decrease your suspicion for a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism?

  • A. Cough
  • B. Fever
  • C. Rib tenderness
  • D. Shortness of breath
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rib tenderness. Rib tenderness would decrease suspicion for pulmonary embolism because it suggests a musculoskeletal origin of chest pain rather than a vascular one. Pulmonary embolism typically presents with symptoms such as shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and sometimes cough, but rib tenderness is not a common finding in this condition. Fever is non-specific and can be present in various conditions, including pulmonary embolism. Shortness of breath is a key symptom of pulmonary embolism and would increase suspicion for this diagnosis.