What term describes a blood clot blocking a pulmonary artery?

• A. Pulmonary Embolism
• B. Spontaneous Pneumothorax
• C. Tension Pneumothorax
• D. Pleural Space

Answer: (A)

A blood clot blocking a pulmonary artery is called a pulmonary embolism. It usually starts as a deep vein thrombosis in the legs or pelvis, travels up through the right side of the heart, and lodges in the pulmonary arteries, cutting off blood flow to portions of the lung. This creates a mismatch between air reaching the alveoli and blood flow, leading to low oxygen levels and symptoms like sudden shortness of breath and chest pain; in large cases it can strain the right heart and cause instability. The other terms involve air accumulating in the pleural space, causing lung collapse, rather than a clot obstructing a vessel, so they describe different problems.