Pulmonary embolism: which of the following is part of initial management?

• A. CT angiography
• B. Oxygen
• C. Anticoagulation only
• D. Mechanical ventilation

Answer: (B)

Stabilizing breathing and oxygenation is the first priority in suspected pulmonary embolism. Supplemental oxygen is given to correct hypoxemia from the V/Q mismatch and to reduce right heart strain, making it a key initial management step while you assess and plan definitive therapy.

CT angiography serves to confirm the diagnosis, not treat the patient, so it’s a diagnostic test rather than part of the immediate management. Anticoagulation is crucial for preventing clot progression, but it addresses the underlying problem rather than the immediate need to optimize oxygenation. Mechanical ventilation is reserved for patients with significant respiratory failure or instability, not all initial PE cases.