Which medical condition is defined as a sudden blockage of blood flow in the arteries of the lung?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. COVID-19
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Pleural effusion

Answer: (C)

A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of blood flow in the arteries of the lung, usually caused by a clot that travels from a vein (often from the legs) up to the lungs. This abrupt obstruction disrupts the blood supply to portions of the lung, leading to symptoms like sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, and it can be life-threatening if large enough or if the heart is strained. The other conditions don’t describe a sudden arterial blockage in the lungs: pneumonia is an infection of lung tissue, COVID-19 is a viral illness, and pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the layers lining the lungs and chest wall.