Which of the following is not a component of the Wells criteria for predicting pulmonary embolism?

Which of the following is not a component of the Wells criteria for predicting pulmonary embolism?

• A. Central venous catheter placement
• B. Clinical signs of DVT
• C. Immobilization or surgery in the previous four weeks
• D. Prior DVT or PE

Answer: (B)

Wells criteria estimate the probability of pulmonary embolism by combining several clinical features and a clinician’s judgment. They include signs of deep vein thrombosis, recent immobilization or surgery within four weeks, a history of prior DVT or PE, tachycardia, hemoptysis, active cancer, and the likelihood that PE is the primary diagnosis. Central venous catheter placement is not part of these items, so it does not contribute to the Wells score. The other three options listed are indeed components: signs of DVT reflect leg thrombosis, immobilization or recent surgery captures recent risk, and prior DVT or PE indicates a recurrent thrombotic tendency.

Wells criteria estimate the probability of pulmonary embolism by combining several clinical features and a clinician’s judgment. They include signs of deep vein thrombosis, recent immobilization or surgery within four weeks, a history of prior DVT or PE, tachycardia, hemoptysis, active cancer, and the likelihood that PE is the primary diagnosis. Central venous catheter placement is not part of these items, so it does not contribute to the Wells score. The other three options listed are indeed components: signs of DVT reflect leg thrombosis, immobilization or recent surgery captures recent risk, and prior DVT or PE indicates a recurrent thrombotic tendency.