Which symptom is most commonly associated with a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot blocks pulmonary arteries in the lungs, leading to a range of symptoms due to impaired blood flow and gas exchange. The most commonly associated symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath is a primary and frequent symptom in individuals with a PE. It often occurs suddenly and can vary in intensity, impacting the ability to take a full breath. This happens because the blockage can significantly reduce oxygen flow, making breathing feel labored.

• Chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, also known as pleuritic chest pain, is another typical symptom. The pain is often sharp and may mimic that of a heart attack; it can exacerbate when the patient inhales deeply or coughs, as the lungs become stressed from the impaired blood flow.

• Persistent coughing can also be present, which may produce blood-streaked sputum in some cases. This arises as the body attempts to clear the blockage or due to irritation in the lung tissue.

The inclusion of all these symptoms collectively signifies the multifaceted nature of pulmonary embolism presentations. Therefore, the correct response is that all the listed symptoms can occur and are commonly associated with a pulmonary embolism, highlighting different aspects of how the condition