Patient Profile Name: Mrs. K Age: 65 History: Recent l…
Patient Profile Name: Mrs. K Age: 65 History: Recent long-haul flight from Europe, history of varicose veins Presenting Complaint: Sudden onset shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain 2 days after returning home Additional Symptoms: Mild tachycardia, anxiety, and dizziness Current Findings: HR: 110 bpm RR: 28 breaths/min O₂ saturation: 86% on room air Chest auscultation: Decreased breath sounds in the right lower lobe, possible pleural rub CXR: Possible wedge-shaped opacity, but otherwise unremarkable CT Pulmonary Angiogram: Confirmed pulmonary embolism What risk factors contributed to Mrs. K’s pulmonary embolism? What clinical signs and symptoms help differentiate a pulmonary embolism from pneumonia or COPD exacerbation? What might you expect to hear during auscultation and why? What precautions should a physical therapist take during initial sessions?