What is a pulmonary embolism?

Prepare for your Anatomy and Physiology II Exam with our comprehensive exam resources. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions with hints, and detailed explanations. Boost your readiness for success!

Multiple Choice

What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is an acute blockage of the pulmonary arteries, usually caused by a blood clot that has traveled from another part of the body (most often a deep vein thrombosis). When a clot lodges in a lung artery, it stops blood from flowing to the area of the lung it would normally perfuse. This creates a mismatch where air (ventilation) is reaching the alveoli but blood flow (perfusion) is cut off, leading to reduced oxygen uptake and sometimes elevated carbon dioxide. Depending on the size and location of the blockage, it can also put strain on the right side of the heart and be life-threatening. The other options describe different lung problems: a bacterial infection of the lungs is pneumonia; a collapsed lung due to air in the pleural space is pneumothorax; and fluid accumulation in the alveoli is pulmonary edema.

A pulmonary embolism is an acute blockage of the pulmonary arteries, usually caused by a blood clot that has traveled from another part of the body (most often a deep vein thrombosis). When a clot lodges in a lung artery, it stops blood from flowing to the area of the lung it would normally perfuse. This creates a mismatch where air (ventilation) is reaching the alveoli but blood flow (perfusion) is cut off, leading to reduced oxygen uptake and sometimes elevated carbon dioxide. Depending on the size and location of the blockage, it can also put strain on the right side of the heart and be life-threatening.

The other options describe different lung problems: a bacterial infection of the lungs is pneumonia; a collapsed lung due to air in the pleural space is pneumothorax; and fluid accumulation in the alveoli is pulmonary edema.

More practice questions