Which of the following symptoms indicates a potential pulmonary embolism?

Pleuritic chest pain that worsens with deep breathing is a key symptom associated with pulmonary embolism. This type of pain occurs due to inflammation of the pleura (the membrane surrounding the lungs), which can be a result of a blockage in the pulmonary arteries caused by a clot. When a person breathes deeply, the pressure changes in the thoracic cavity can aggravate this pain, making it more pronounced.

In the context of pulmonary embolism, this symptom is critical because it often accompanies other more serious signs such as sudden onset shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, or hemoptysis (coughing up blood). Recognizing pleuritic chest pain as a potential indicator helps clinicians to identify the need for further evaluation and intervention, underscoring its importance in the clinical assessment of suspected pulmonary embolism.

Other symptoms listed do not typically indicate pulmonary embolism as clearly as pleuritic chest pain. Severe headache and fever might suggest other conditions such as infections or neurological issues, while loss of appetite could be attributed to various non-specific illnesses. Thus, pleuritic chest pain stands out as a classic symptom that warrants consideration of pulmonary embolism in a patient assessment.