American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Under what conditions should inpatient management of pulmonary embolism (PE) be considered?

1. If the patient is asymptomatic

2. When the patient does not require supplemental oxygen

3. When home circumstances make outpatient therapy unfeasible

4. If the patient is stable and can be discharged

The correct answer is: When home circumstances make outpatient therapy unfeasible

Inpatient management of pulmonary embolism (PE) is typically warranted when outpatient therapy is not feasible due to the patient's home circumstances. This may include factors such as inadequate support at home, limited access to healthcare resources, or an inability to follow up with outpatient care. Ensuring that a patient has a supportive environment and the means to manage their condition is vital for their safety and successful treatment. In cases where the patient may be asymptomatic or stable, outpatient management could often be considered if follow-up resources are available and the patient can manage their care. However, when these conditions are not met, inpatient care becomes necessary to ensure proper monitoring and management of the condition.