1st April 2022

A 64-year-old woman is brought to ED via ambulance, after she collapsed that morning

A 64-year-old woman is brought to ED via ambulance, after she collapsed that morning. She had just stood up – when she felt lightheaded and then lost consciousness, briefly. She has felt breathless since then, but is able to give the history without too much difficulty. She has been ill with the flu for a couple of weeks and has been “off her feet”. No past medical history of note.

Her vital signs are: HR 120, RR 24, BP 100/60, T 36.6°C and O₂ saturations 95% on room air. Examination is otherwise normal. Bloods show only a raised serum D-dimer. A CT pulmonary angiogram confirms the diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism.

What is the most appropriate initial medication to treat the pulmonary embolism in this case?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.