When assessing a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism, which sign would be most pertinent to identify?

In assessing a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), the sudden onset of shortness of breath is particularly significant. This symptom often occurs because a PE, which is a blockage in the pulmonary arteries typically due to a blood clot, restricts blood flow to the lungs. As a result, patients commonly experience this acute respiratory distress as the body's demand for oxygen can no longer be met effectively.

Sudden shortness of breath may be accompanied by a range of other symptoms, but its abrupt nature and association with PE are critical in prompting immediate medical attention and intervention. It reflects the acute impact on the respiratory and circulatory systems, which is central to the pathology of PE.

Other signs, while they may indicate serious conditions, are less specific to pulmonary embolism. For example, coughing up blood can be related to various pulmonary conditions, chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, although it could suggest PE, is also a symptom common to other issues like pleuritis or myocardial infarction. Swelling and pain in the legs are typically associated with deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to PE but does not directly signify the presence of the embolism itself. Hence, recognizing the sudden onset of shortness of breath is crucial in the context of