You suspect a patient with a fracture and sudden chest pain has which condition?

In this scenario, where a patient presents with a fracture and sudden chest pain, the suspicion of a pulmonary embolism is significant. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, often originating from a deep vein thrombosis in the legs. The presence of a fracture, particularly in the lower extremities, raises the risk of such a clot formation, as immobility following a fracture can contribute to venous thromboembolism.

The sudden onset of chest pain in the context of a recent fracture aligns with classic symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, which can also include shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood). This condition is a critical emergency, as it may lead to significant complications or even death if not addressed promptly.

In this case, the combination of the patient's fracture history and the sudden chest pain strongly indicates the possibility of a pulmonary embolism, making it the most appropriate selection among the choices provided.