SAQ 176 – Obstetrics and Cardiology – pulmonary embolism in late pregnancy

A 30-year-old woman, G1P0, who is 36 weeks pregnant presents to the emergency department.

She reports one week of increasing dyspnoea and chest discomfort. Her pregnancy is otherwise progressing normally. She has no significant past history and takes no medications.

Her observations are: BP 110/60 mmHg, RR 30/min, oxygen saturation 98% on room air, GCS 15, temperature 37.8 C. Her ECG is shown below.

List three (3) physiological changes that may be seen on an ECG during pregnancy.

(Marked out of 3.0)

/ 3

State four (4) abnormalities shown in this ECG.

(Marked out of 4.0)

/ 4

Interpret this ECG for this patient. State two (2) points.

(Marked out of 2.0)

/ 2

Complete the table with three (3) investigations that may help confirm the diagnosis. For each, state one significant pro and one significant con for this patient.

(Marked out of 9.0)

Investigation	Pro	Con
1.
2.
3.

/ 9

Total Score: 0 / 18

Percentage: 0%