MEDizzy
MEDizzy
USMLE
Drugs Affecting Hemostasis-II
A 65-year-old m an developed sudden dyspnea and chest pain2 days after surgery to remove a gastric carcinoma. Physical examination revealed an anxious m an in severe respiratory distress with the following vital signs: temperature 99.5°F (37.5°C), pulse 120 bpm , blood pressure 90/50 m m Hg, respirations 28 breaths/m in. A computed tomography scan showed complete obstruction of a branch of the left pulmonary artery. Which of the following drugs should be included in the acute parenteral treatment of this patient?
Explanation
Explanationd The sudden dyspnea, hypotension, and pleuritic chest pain, particularly in a high-risk setting (gastric cancer), would suggest the diagnosis of massive pulmonary embolism , which is confirmed by the computed tomography scan. Heparin is a drug of choice to prevent further thrombus formation and embolization.
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