Can someone help me come up with a discussion question about pulmonary embolism? I have to ask my class at least two questions about it and have a five minute discussion. Does anyone have any ideas?

This is an excellent source of information.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pulmonary-embolism/DS00429

Certainly! Here are two discussion questions you can use for your class discussion about pulmonary embolism:

1. What are the risk factors and warning signs of pulmonary embolism, and what preventive measures can individuals take to reduce their risk?
To explore this question, you can start by explaining the risk factors associated with pulmonary embolism, such as immobility, surgery, obesity, cigarette smoking, and certain medical conditions. Then, discuss the common warning signs, such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and coughing up blood. Finally, encourage your class to brainstorm and share their ideas on preventive measures, such as exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and using blood-thinning medication if necessary.

2. How can healthcare professionals effectively diagnose and treat pulmonary embolism, considering its potentially life-threatening nature?
For this question, you can guide the discussion by providing an overview of the diagnostic methods used for pulmonary embolism, such as imaging tests (CT scans, chest X-rays), blood tests (D-dimer), and invasive procedures (pulmonary angiography). Then, discuss the available treatment options, such as anticoagulant therapy, thrombolytic therapy, and in severe cases, surgical interventions like embolectomy. Encourage your class to reflect on the challenges healthcare professionals might face in diagnosing and treating pulmonary embolism and to propose ways to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.

Remember, while discussing these questions, encourage your classmates to share their thoughts, ask for their opinions, and provide any additional insights they might have.