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Multiple Choice

Pulmonary embolism occurs when clots end up in which organ?

Pulmonary embolism happens when a clot travels from the deep veins (often in the legs) into the right side of the heart and then lodges in the pulmonary arteries of the lungs. The lungs are the first major capillary bed encountered by venous blood returning to the heart, so a traveling clot typically gets trapped there, blocking blood flow and impairing oxygen exchange. Emboli ending up in the brain, kidneys, or liver would require arterial access from the left side of the heart or systemic circulation, not the venous route that causes a pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism happens when a clot travels from the deep veins (often in the legs) into the right side of the heart and then lodges in the pulmonary arteries of the lungs. The lungs are the first major capillary bed encountered by venous blood returning to the heart, so a traveling clot typically gets trapped there, blocking blood flow and impairing oxygen exchange. Emboli ending up in the brain, kidneys, or liver would require arterial access from the left side of the heart or systemic circulation, not the venous route that causes a pulmonary embolism.