In a patient with pulmonary embolism, which parameters should be monitored?

• A. Oxygen saturation; aPTT
• B. Blood glucose
• C. Lipid panel
• D. Serum creatinine

Answer: (A)

In a patient with pulmonary embolism, the focus is on how well oxygen is being delivered and how effectively anticoagulation is working. Oxygen saturation directly reflects gas exchange and helps determine the need for supplemental oxygen or further respiratory support. The aPTT is used to monitor unfractionated heparin therapy, guiding dose adjustments to keep anticoagulation in the therapeutic range while minimizing bleeding risk. Other labs like blood glucose, lipid panel, and serum creatinine aren’t used to track the acute course of PE or its treatment, though creatinine may be relevant for imaging contrast or certain medication dosing in specific contexts.