The most common cause of preventable hospital death is

PE is the most common preventable cause of death among hospitalized patients. Clinical features The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) may be aided by asking three questions: * Is the clinical presentation consistent with PE? * Does the patient have risk factors for PE? * Are there any alternative diagnoses that can explain the patient's presentation? Clinical presentation varies, depending on number, size and distribution of emboli and on underlying cardiorespiratory reserve (Box 17.83). A recognised risk factor is present in 80-90% (see Box 23.65, p. 975). The presence of one or more risk factors increases the risk fuher still. Ref Davidson edition23rd pg 619