Pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion concepts tested on USMLE Step 1, beyond the general pathology and lung volume overview.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the most common source of emboli causing pulmonary embolism?
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Deep vein thrombosis of the proximal lower extremities (femoral/iliac veins)- What are the three components of Virchow's triad?
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Stasis, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury- What is the most common presenting symptom of pulmonary embolism?
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Dyspnea- What is the most common physical exam sign of pulmonary embolism?
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Tachypnea- What classic ECG pattern is associated with pulmonary embolism (right heart strain)?
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S1Q3T3 (S wave in lead I, Q wave and inverted T wave in lead III)- What is the gold standard imaging test for diagnosing pulmonary embolism?
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CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)- What imaging study is preferred for suspected PE in pregnancy to limit breast radiation exposure?
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V/Q (ventilation-perfusion) scan- What are the sensitivity and specificity characteristics of the D-dimer test for PE?
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High sensitivity, low specificity- What clinical tool estimates the pretest probability of pulmonary embolism?
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Wells score- What is a saddle embolus?
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A large embolus lodged at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery- What is the first-line treatment for a hemodynamically stable pulmonary embolism?
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Anticoagulation- What is the treatment for a massive PE causing hemodynamic instability (hypotension or shock)?
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Thrombolytic therapy (tPA)- When is an IVC filter indicated in the management of PE or DVT?
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When anticoagulation is contraindicated or PE recurs despite adequate anticoagulation- What clinical setting classically precedes fat embolism syndrome?
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Long bone fracture (e.g., femur)- What is the classic triad of fat embolism syndrome?
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Respiratory distress, neurologic symptoms, and petechial rash
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