Which vital sign change might indicate pulmonary embolism?

Hypoxia, or low oxygen levels in the blood, is a vital sign change that is particularly significant in the context of a pulmonary embolism. When a pulmonary embolism occurs, it obstructs blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, which can drastically reduce the amount of oxygenated blood delivered to the body. This interruption in blood flow not only affects the lung tissue but also the overall oxygen supply, leading to hypoxia.

Individuals experiencing hypoxia may demonstrate signs such as altered mental status, rapid breathing, or increased heart rate as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen. It's essential to monitor for hypoxia in patients suspected of having a pulmonary embolism, as it can be indicative of the severity of the condition and the need for immediate medical intervention.

In contrast, while changes such as bradycardia, hypotension, and fever can occur in various clinical scenarios, they are not specific indicators of pulmonary embolism. Bradycardia might suggest other underlying issues related to heart function, hypotension could arise from various causes like severe bleeding or heart failure, and fever typically indicates an infection or inflammatory process rather than a pulmonary embolism itself.