What respiratory pattern is typically observed in someone experiencing a Pulmonary Embolism?

In the context of pulmonary embolism, the respiratory pattern most frequently observed includes shortness of breath and tachypnea. When a pulmonary embolism occurs, it leads to a blockage in the pulmonary arteries, often resulting in reduced blood flow to parts of the lungs. This blockage can provoke an acute stress response in the body, which manifests as a need for increased oxygenation. Consequently, individuals often present with rapid breathing (tachypnea) as their bodies attempt to compensate for the reduced oxygen levels.

Shortness of breath is a key symptom because the obstruction of blood flow leads to impaired gas exchange, which can cause the individual to feel the urgent need to breathe more rapidly and deeply. Tachypnea acts as a compensatory mechanism to ensure that more air—and thus more oxygen—is brought into the lungs to meet the body's demands during this critical situation.