Sun21November1151AM 7

A 19-year-old woman became breathless while travelling on an aeroplane and is seen to be hyperventilating.

Which one of the following features most strongly supports a diagnosis of a pulmonary embolus rather than a panic attack?

(Please select 1 option)

Loss of consciousness

Light-headedness

Cyanosis Correct

Carpal spasm

Finger paraesthesia

Explanation

Hyperventilation secondary to a panic attack results in hypocapnia and raised levels of blood oxygen. The hypocapnia can result in carpal spasm, finger paraesthesia, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

A PE, on the other hand, results in hypoxia. Hypocapnia may or may not be associated. Cyanosis can, therefore, develop, which you would not expect with a panic attack.

Answer Statistics

1

9%

2

1%

3

88%

4

1%

5

2%

Times answered: 290