Pulmonary embolus
Respiratory · ResC10
This topic appears in the RCEM clinical syllabus. Start with a relevant resource below, then use a case or practice activity to test what you have learned.
View this area in the official clinical syllabus
The diagnostic-testing sessions use a PE case to explore investigation and interpretation of results.
Learn
Ep 255 – Likelihood Ratios: Critical Appraisal Nugget 12
Review likelihood ratios before working through the PE test-interpretation exercise.
Ep 238 – Positive and Negative Predictive Values: Critical Appraisal Nugget
Review predictive values before the undergraduate PE test-interpretation exercise.
Discuss
Diagnostic testing: decide before you request
Use a D-dimer case and a worked table to understand test accuracy, pre-test probability and the decision after a result.
Chest pain: choosing the right diagnostic pathway
Discuss the initial chest-pain assessment and how to choose between ACS, PE and aortic investigation pathways.
Diagnostic testing: probability and clinical decisions
Use a simple test table and a PE case to connect pre-test probability, test results and the next clinical decision.
Assessing chest pain
Use an aortic presentation and a postoperative PE concern to practise a broad differential and selective investigation.
Teaching programmes
Starting in Emergency Medicine
1 relevant session in this programme.
Early-career Emergency Medicine
2 relevant sessions in this programme.
Medical Student Emergency Medicine Placement
2 relevant sessions in this programme.
Apply it in practice
Choose one thing to try on your next suitable shift, within your role and level of supervision. Discuss what happened and what you would change.
More mapped resources
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