QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Pancreatitis typically presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back. This patient has mild abdominal pain, which is likely related to his recent surgery.
10003522
b
Pancreatitis
QuestionChoice
Pneumonia would present with a cough, purulent sputum and chest pain which could be pleuritic in nature.
10003523
c
Pneumonia
QuestionChoice
This patient has had a prolonged period of immobilisation and likely has a history of atherosclerosis, given the nature of his recent surgery (carotid artery bypass). This alongside his tachypnoea and tachycardia makes pulmonary embolism the most likely diagnosis.
10003521
a
Pulmonary embolism
QuestionChoice
Myocardial infarction would present with severe, crushing central chest pain, which may radiate to the jaw. This choice is a reasonable differential given his recent carotid endarterectomy.
10003524
d
Myocardial infarction
QuestionChoice
The risk of stroke is around 2% following carotid endarterectomy and is higher in people who have had a stroke before the operation. However, this patient's clinical picture is more suggestive of a pulmonary embolism.
10003525
e
Stroke
Concept
Chapter
2693
4175
Pulmonary embolism
Topic
134
Cardiology
13251
A 71-year-old man has increasing breathlessness. He had a carotid artery bypass 9 days ago. He reports chest pain and mild abdominal pain. He has a past medical history of hypertension and stroke.

His observations are: Temp 37.6°C, pulse 107 bpm, BP 121/78 mmHg, RR 26, and oxygen saturations of 93% SpO2 on room air.

There are no crackles on auscultation, and he complains of some mild abdominal pain which is improving.

What is the most likely diagnosis?
a